MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL
Today is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Who are they? What do they do? Are they important for our faith?
Generally speaking, the angels are beings created by God, some of whom rebelled and left the service of God and are now known as Satan and his minions. Saint Michael is depicted as an angel who defends us in our battles with sin and the devil. The common prayer invoked in his name indicates that he is there to assist us in our battles with the devil and to protect us as we follow Jesus. He is often invoked as the patron of apologetics societies as they defend the Church’s teachings against the errors of sin and the world.
Saint Gabriel is the messenger of God who delivers the will of God to Mary at the Annunciation. All angels have the role of being God’s messengers, but Gabriel has been entrusted with guiding Mary and Joseph in their roles as the mother and father of Jesus.
Saint Raphael is known as the healer according to the part he plays in the Book of Tobit where he heals Tobit’s blindness in a rather bizarre manner. So if you are having a battle against an injury or sickness, engage the intercession of the Angel Raphael.
All in all, the angels teach us about the care God has for us, and their presence in our lives is a sign of His promise to complete the work of salvation He has begun in us. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------
Do you believe in angels? Do you call out to them for help as you try to become a disciple of Jesus?
Holy Spirit, help me to believe in all the assistance that God wants to give me in my life so that I can avail of His grace whenever I need it. Amen.
Today, I pray for: ___________________________
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