A wonderful reminder of God’s power, goodness and love for all His creation
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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
In different ways, these three Archangels serve Almighty God and help His people.
This is the feast of the three archangels who are named in Scriptures: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Starting in the fourth century, the earliest veneration of an angel was for St. Michael. He is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation. He is considered the Prince of the Heavenly Host and leader of the angels who stayed loyal to Almighty God and threw Satan and the other fallen angels into hell. He is a great defender against evil for all God’s faithful people and the particular protector of the Catholic Church. St. Gabriel is also referenced in the Old and New Testaments. He is celebrated especially for appearing to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation and revealing to her God’s sacred plan for the birth of His Son. Gabriel also told Zechariah about the birth of his and Elizabeth’s son who would be John the Baptist. It is also thought by many that Gabriel also spoke to Joseph in dreams and proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. St. Raphael is seen only in the book of Tobit where he shows God’s care for His people by aiding this devout blind man who has experienced great misfortunes. Raphael guides his son Tobiah on a journey to help him reclaim a long overdue debt, delivering his future bride from a demon, and healing his father’s blindness.
In different ways, these three Archangels serve Almighty God and help His people. All angels are heavenly spirits who praise and worship Him and who offer their obedience in doing all He directs. In today’s Gospel, we hear Christ tell one of His Apostles, “You will see greater things than this. … Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and then angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:50-51). We can pray to these Archangels each day to intercede for us with God for our ongoing defense, direction, and healing of body and soul.
