Know Me

Know Me

September 29, 2012

Feast of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, archangels

As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him.  Daniel 7:13-14

Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"  Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."  Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."  John 1:48-49

Piety

O loving messenger of the Incarnation, descend upon all those for whom I wish peace and happiness. Spread your wings over the cradles of the new-born babes, O thou who didst announce the coming of the Infant Jesus.

Give to the young a lily petal from the virginal scepter in your hand. Cause the Ave Maria to re-echo in all hearts that they may find grace and joy through Mary.

Finally, recall the sublime words spoken on the day of the Annunciation-- "Nothing is impossible with God," and repeat them in hours of trial--to all I love--that their confidence in Our Lord may be reanimated, when all human help fails. Amen.  (Prayer to St. Gabriel the Archangel)

Study

Identity.  All week, people who have encountered Jesus have been trying to figure out His identity.  Jesus revealed his identity and destiny to the disciples last Sunday but they did not understand.  Rather, they argued among themselves about who should get a chance to sit next to the Lord in Heaven.

Jesus clues us in that with His friendship, our visible actions are required in order to spread the witness of his life and love in the world. Understanding that identity and acting on it is what unites us as sisters and brothers with Jesus.

However, when we build that relationship on the wrong foundation, like Herod, it will crumble.  Herod wanted to see Jesus and figure out the Lord's identity.  However, he wanted to do it to shore up his own power base (and eliminate a potential rival). 

Nathaniel shows us true understanding and the right relationship with the Lord.  Because his relationship is based upon faith, Nathaniel will reap the rewards of putting vision into reality.  Not just fantastic visions from Daniel and Revelation, but the day-to-day vision of building the Kingdom here on earth.

Action

How do you know the Lord?  How does the Lord know you?  As you ponder that question remember that if you hear the word of the Lord and act upon it, people will see that relationship and it will affect their faith as well because you will be adding, brick-by-loving-brick, to the building of the Kingdom on earth.