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.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Angels are constantly watching over each and every one of us. We pray to St. Michael for protection from the wickedness and snares of the devil. We pray to Gabriel that we might receive the Good News with open hearts just as Mary did. We pray to Raphael for healing of body, mind, and spirit. Each archangel's name reveals an important aspect of our faith. Michael's name means, "Who is like God?" and reminds us that we should never let our pride or worldly temptations replace our faith in God, who should be the Alpha and Omega of our lives. Gabriel's name means "God is my strength" and we would do well to remember that when we are faced with trials and sufferings. Our strength can only bear so much without God, but with Him all things are possible and great burdens can become light. Lastly, Raphael's name means "God has healed" and as long as our hearts are open to His Mercy, our spiritual wounds will be healed and we shall be cleansed of our sins. We are all blessed to have these archangels watching over us and constantly reminding us that God gave them to the world to protect us, give us strength, and heal us.

How often do we turn to our guardian angels for help? What about the archangels? How can our lives be more angelic and always point others toward God?

O Lord, send your angels to protect and guide us.

Amen.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

The archangels are messengers of God’s Will and just as they bear God’s Words to us, so we too should imitate them in our lives. We must open ourselves to being filled with the Good News of the Gospel and allow it to flow out of us through our thoughts, words, and works. In a way, we are all called to be angels of God bearing His Divine Love and Mercy to those in most need of it. However, in order to do this we must be faithful to God and obedient to His commandments. We must trust in God’s Providence and live hopeful lives no matter the trials that come our way. Last but not least, we must love with every fiber of our being and seek to be living sacraments of grace for all whom we meet.

Are we God-bearing people? Do our thoughts, words, and words flow from God’s Love and Mercy? Are we instruments of His grace for those in most need of it?

O Lord, give us the grace to bear you into the world like your archangels.

Amen.