Let us thank God for His unending help and ask Him to send angels among us
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (September 29, 2018): DN 7:9-10,13-14 or RV 12:7-12; 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.
Every time we say, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” we recall the greeting of the archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He proclaimed Almighty God’s desire that she willingly become mother of His beloved Son and our Savior. Today we honor Saint Gabriel, along with Saints Michael and Raphael, the three angels most intimately associated in the Bible with His people on earth. Michael is known as the prince of the heavenly host who drove Lucifer and his band of fallen angels into hell. Raphael helped the family of Tobit with healing and guidance in a difficult time.
Each of these messengers from God conveys a particular aspect of His concern for our welfare. We can express our appreciation for all His blessings through today’s Psalm: “I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to You I sing. I bow low toward Your holy temple; I praise Your name” (Psalm 138:1-2). Just as Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael joyfully obey God, we can choose to do the same each day.
Suggested missionary action: Let us read the Scriptures stories that mention these archangels and consider the part they played in bringing heaven and earth closer together. Then let us ask them to guide our efforts to live and share our faith.
