Daily Catholic Lectio. Mon, 29 Sep ’25. God’s Presence among Us

Daily Catholic Lectio

Mon, 29 Sep ‘25

Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael – Feast

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 12:7-12; John 1:47-51

God’s Presence Among Us

Jesus tells Nathanael in today’s Gospel: “You will see greater things… you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (Jn 1:51). With these words, Jesus reminds us that God’s presence is never far away. His angels are messengers, constantly moving between heaven and earth, making the invisible presence of God visible in our lives.

1. Angels as God’s Presence

In the Old Testament, the expression “the angel of the Lord” often meant God’s presence itself. Over time, especially after the exile in Babylon, the belief in angels developed more clearly. Angels came to be understood as mediators between God and humanity—linking the heavenly and earthly worlds.

Among them, the archangels—the “chief messengers”—stand as leaders. Across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, angels are seen as signs that God is close to His people.

Michael means “Who is like God?”. He is the protector, defender against evil, often shown defeating the powers of darkness. (Dan 10:13; Rev 12:7).

Gabriel means “God is mighty”. He is the messenger of Good News—the one who announced to Mary that she would bear the Savior (Lk 1:26–38).

Raphael means “God heals”. In the book of Tobit, he restores Tobiah’s sight and guides him safely (Tob 3:17; 12:15).

Through these three archangels, we see God’s presence as protection, power, and healing.

2. The Message of the Archangels: We Are Not Alone

The archangels first remind us that God is always with us. In our loneliness, fears, or struggles, they whisper: “You are not alone.”

At the same time, they call us to become like them—to be a presence in others’ lives. We often complain about feeling lonely, but we forget that others feel the same. If we step out to be near them—with a word of kindness, with listening, with encouragement—we too become “angels” in their lives.

3. Jacob’s Dream and God’s Promise

In the Old Testament, Jacob, fleeing from his brother, sleeps in the wilderness and dreams of angels ascending and descending a ladder (Gen 28:12). It is in his loneliness that he discovers God’s presence. God promises: “I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go.”

This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of Man, upon whom angels ascend and descend. He is the meeting point of heaven and earth, the perfect assurance of God’s closeness.

4. Invitation for Today

God is with us—protecting, strengthening, and healing us through His angels.

We are invited to be God’s presence for one another, like Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, bringing protection, good news, and healing into the lives of those around us.

When we live this way, our world is no longer filled with isolation, but with communion; no longer with fear, but with peace.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy