Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
My parish priest growing up had a deep devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. I learned most Catholic prayers from my family and through religious education class but I attribute the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel to Fr. Martin. Fr. Martin believed deeply in St. Michael as a powerful intercessor in the spiritual battles that we face daily. Today we honor not only Michael, but Gabriel and Raphael as well.
Today’s readings offer poignant images of God’s glory and the work of God’s angels. They are also the ultimate declaration of hope for the church and the world, as proclaimed in the classic worship song, Days of Elijah. First, the vision of the glory of God described by Daniel with “the Son of Man, [Jesus Christ], coming on the clouds of heaven” (Dn 7:9-10, 13-14). In the book of Revelation, the archangel Michael and his angels fight against "the great dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world," (12:9) but who is defeated. And finally, the Gospel in which Jesus says to Nathanael, "You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man" (Jn 1:51).
Angels are fascinating creatures! Catholic doctrine states that angels are entirely spiritual beings that were created by God to serve God. Angels are God’s messengers. We experience this explicitly in Gabriel, who is very well known from the annunciation. Gabriel appeared to Mary and received her “yes!” for the incarnation of the Christ child. Michael is well known as the archangel who cast Lucifer out of Heaven. Raphael appears in the book of Tobit, bringing healing to Tobit’s eyes. Angels serve, praise, protect, worship, inspire, and encourage. The archangels are pivotal players in the history of salvation and continue to guide us in our journey.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou o prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell, Satan and all evil spirits who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer