Let us contemplate the holiness and mercy God reveals through His heavenly messengers
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (September 29, 2020): DN 7:9-10,13-14; PS 138:1-2, 2-3,4-5; JN 1:47-51
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
All angels are spiritual and immortal beings created by God with intelligence and free will.
Today we celebrate three of Almighty God’s great company of angels who are cited in Scriptures. They are archangels who have been given special roles to play in God’s divine plan. All angels are spiritual and immortal beings created by God with intelligence and free will. They are His messengers who worship and minister to Him and cooperate with His plans for the salvation of God’s children on earth. They are also mentioned in both the Old and New Testament. “I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name” (Psalm 138:1-2).
St. Michael – whose name means Who is like God? – cast Satan and his devils into hell. These had formerly been angels who chose to turn away from God and His reign. Michael protects God’s people from evil in all its forms. St. Gabriel’s name means God’s strength. He acted as God’s messenger to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce the Incarnation of the Son of God at her humble acceptance of the divine will. He also proclaimed the coming birth of John the Baptist to his father. It is believed that Gabriel cared for the Holy Family during their days on earth. In the Old Testament, we see St. Raphael (whose name means God heals) help the devout Tobit and his son Tobiah in their great personal and family needs. Each of these saintly angels discloses God’s plans and compassion in different ways. We see Michael as one who protects and defends; Gabriel as one who announces God’s truth and will; and Raphael as one who guides and heals. We can look to each one of them to help us be and do all God asks of us.
Suggested missionary action: Let us make a daily habit of offering the prayer to St. Michael written by Pope Leo XIII: “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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”