Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael...
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (September 29, 2022): 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.
In their loyal and loving obedience to God, have helped His children on earth.
Almighty God created His angels as spiritual beings with will and intelligence, constantly glorifying Him. God calls on them to look after His other creatures; in a special way looking after the spiritual and temporal well-being of His human children. They are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the existence of angels “is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.” The three Archangels whom we commemorate today are mentioned by name in the Bible. Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael served God in a very special way through their part in His plan for the salvation of the world. “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” (Psalm 138:1).
The oldest angelic devotion in the Church has been to St. Michael, beginning in the fifth century. As God’s loyal defender, he was the leader of the angels against Satan and his followers, driving them out of heaven. Pope Leo XIII is credited with a famous prayer that begins: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.” St. Gabriel was the messenger who announced the birth of St. John the Baptist first, and then of Jesus. It is also believed that it was Gabriel who appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife; and that he led the heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds at the nativity of Christ. In the Old Testament, we learn about St. Raphael helped Tobit and his family by healing him from blindness and guiding his son on an important journey. He is also thought to have been the angel who stirred the waters at the pool of Bethesda as mentioned in the account of Jesus’ healing of the paralytic man. St. Michael is patron of police officers and first responders; St. Gabriel of broadcasters and communicators; and St. Raphael of travelers and those who are blind.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask St. Michael to protect us, St. Gabriel to reveal His word to us, and St. Raphael to guide and heal us, according to God’s grace and gifts. And let us be sure to thank God for sending His angels among us.