Tuesday 29 September 2026 - A loud voice in heaven

Tuesday 29 September 2026 Today is Tuesday the 29th of September, the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time. The Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, sing In Paradisum from Fauré’s Requiem. ‘May the angels lead you to paradise, and at your coming may the martyrs receive you and bring you to the holy city of Jerusalem.’ Begin with stillness now, letting your mind dwell on things above. Today’s reading is from the Book of Revelation. Revelation 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!’ The Book of Revelation gives us a vivid picture of spiritual warfare. Yet this reading is not meant to make us afraid. Instead, it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is already at work within them. What is the spiritual challenge that occupies your heart at the moment? As you become aware of its weight, can you also remember that God is with you, fighting for you as well as alongside you? The heavenly voice proclaims God's victory. Even when the outcome is hidden from us, we are invited to trust that God remains faithful. Can you remember a time when you faced a struggle and, perhaps only in hindsight, recognised God's help? Who were the people, the graces, or the unexpected moments through which God carried you forward? The battles we face can leave their marks. But those marks can also remind us of God's love, protection and strength in times of weakness. As you listen to the reading again, notice the voice that announces the triumph of Christ. Which word or phrase catches your attention? Can you recognise small signs of that victory in your own life, signs that God continues to work in you today? Revelation 12:7-12 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!’ Following Jesus means trusting him through both consolation and struggle. As this time of prayer comes to an end, speak with Jesus, the victorious Messiah. What would you like to thank him for today? And what grace do you ask of him as he continues to lead you towards the fullness of life with him? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen