Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

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.

Revelation reminds us we are not alone in our fight against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. We have Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael to help us. We would do well to pray for their intercession in our lives. Michael as our protector, Gabriel as a guide, and Raphael as a healer of our souls. With them on guard against the Devil, we can be confident we shall not be dragged into sin and destruction by the Evil One. With them, we can fight back against our spiritual enemies and remain in the good graces of God, our Heavenly Father. With them, we can conquer death and have eternal life with Jesus Christ. With them, we can fulfill the purpose the Holy Spirit has given each and every one of us.

How can we be on better guard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil? Do we pray for the intercession of Saint Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael? If not, then how can we make it a habit in our lives to do so?

O Lord, thank you for the gift of your archangels.

Amen.

Third Friday of Lent

I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar. Again they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

When we come to God contritely asking for His forgiveness, He is more than willing to absolve our sins, give us penance, and send us forth to sin no more. He wants to heal our every defection. He wants to have a reason to withhold His wrath and to love us freely. He wants to give us life-giving graces that will help us grow in faith, sustain our hope, and blossom in love for Him and His children. He wants to be at the very root of our every thought, word, and work. He wants us to bear good fruits and provide us with protection. He is Our Heavenly Father, Our Life-Giving Brother, and our Holy Spirit and if we accept Him into our lives, then we will flourish and prosper.

Do we seek our God when we have sinned? Do we appreciate everything He does for us through His Divine Mercy? How can we grow the Kingdom of God through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, pour out your mercy on us so that we might blossom in faith, hope, and love.

Amen.