On the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Brother Joe Trout returns to the Gospel of John 1:47–51 – the same reading from the Feast of St. Bartholomew – but this time through the eyes of the angels. Why does Jesus promise that we will see "angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man"? What does Jacob's ladder have to do with Christ? And what do the archangels teach us about our own place in God's creation?
In this short reflection, Brother Joe unpacks how Jesus reveals Himself as the true Bethel – the House of God and the living bridge between heaven and earth – and how every one of us, like Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, has a distinct and irreplaceable role in the great work God is doing.
Becoming one in Christ doesn't mean losing yourself. It means finding your place in a very big, very beautiful family.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Welcome to A Word of Hope
0:06 – The Feast of the Archangels & today's Gospel
0:16 – The fig tree and the sign of God's kingdom
0:30 – "Angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man"
0:34 – Jacob's dream and the ladder between heaven and earth
0:45 – Jesus as the ladder and the true Bethel (House of God)
1:03 – The angels share in the work of Christ
1:20 – Rethinking "creation": more than mountains and beaches
1:42 – Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: proclamation, victory, healing
1:58 – The beauty of a diverse creation
2:16 – Becoming one in Christ without losing yourself
2:32 – What is your role in God's work?
2:48 – Today's invitation: ponder the greatness of God's creation
3:05 – Closing blessing
📖 Today's Gospel: John 1:47–51
🕊️ Feast: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels (29 September)
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