INVISIBLE COMPANIONS
Today,
the Church honors the archangels. A few days later, we will celebrate
the feast of the Guardian Angels. The angels are our invisible
companions who inspire us in our faith journeys. I once was given a card
that outlined details of angels’ names according to birthdates. I was
pleasantly surprised to learn that my guardian angel is none other than
St. Gabriel. Do you know who your angel is? You might be surprised. It
could be one of the archangels whose feast we celebrate today.
The First Reading recounts the story of Michael and Satan in the
heavens. The devil wanted to take the place of God. He wanted to ruin
the Church of God and would achieve this by killing the firstborn son of
God. The great battle is won by Michael and his angels, suggesting that
from thereon he brought protection to the people of God. These
archangels are constantly in the presence of God and stand by us,
guarding us and calling us to perfection in Christ. Michael means “who
is like God.” He is the one who fought the battle with the ancient
serpent Satan. Gabriel means “strength of God,” who announced to Mary
her vocation
as Mother of Jesus, and Raphael means “medicine or healing of God,” who
helped Tobit in recovering his sight.
There are seven archangels. Each of these angels is given specific
functions and reminds us of their presence that gives strength,
protection and healing in our daily lives. Heaven and earth are united
once again in the ministry of the angels who bring us closer to God. God
does not abandon His children by sending help and assistance every time
through the ministry of the archangels.
As we pray today for their intercession, we are reminded of the
faithful companions who are constantly descending and ascending the
throne room of God, eager to do His will and offering us help in every
occasion. We thank God for His many ways of manifesting His presence.
And one of those ways is through His archangels. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you pray to the angels of God, seeking assistance in your journey of faith?
Lord, I bless You and thank You in the presence of the angels. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment