Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.

Who can compare to God? This is what St. Michael’s name means and it is a question we should keep in mind whenever we are faced with a choice to follow God’s Will or our own. Whenever we are tempted to focus our attention on worldly things or put our trust in someone or something other than God, then we should remember the meaning of Michael’s name. The Devil and his followers forgot this and fell and so can we if we are not careful. Our sinful rebellions against God, whether great or small, might feel freeing, but all they do is bind us and weigh us down with wickedness. Thankfully, we have the hope of repentance and can cleanse ourselves of our sins and our attachments to false idols. And when we do this, we are truly freed, prevailing over all that sought to drag us down.

What are things in our lives that are distracting us from our true calling as servants of God and His children? In what ways have we rebelled against God’s Will? How can we make amends for our transgressions and transform ourselves into defenders of the faith?

O Lord, nothing can compare to you.

Amen.