Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels. These three archangels help God’s people in diverse ways throughout Scripture: Raphael heals, Gabriel proclaims, and Michael protects. These angelic duties are ones we can participate in as well. How do I help those in my life find healing and hope? How do I joyfully proclaim the truth about Jesus? How do I fight against evil and protect the vulnerable?
In today’s Gospel, Nathanael meets Jesus and is taken aback. Jesus knows a small detail about Nathanael’s life, but Jesus affirms Nathanael’s faith and honesty. He promises Nathanael that he’ll see even more amazing things if he follows Jesus as a disciple. How many of us are like Nathanael, expecting that we aren’t noticed? Sometimes it’s easy to feel like our small acts of faith are sidelined by more important people or attention-grabbing headlines, but Jesus sees into our hearts like he saw Nathanael’s. Each of us is invited to share in Jesus’ life and mission. He promises us all “greater things.” Do I take him at his word?
—Maggie Melchior is a convert to the Catholic faith. She currently serves as Coordinator of New Evangelization and Faith Formation at St. Paul Parish, Combined Locks, WI, in the Diocese of Green Bay.