The Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

The Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Dan. 7:9-10.13-14, Jn. 1:47-51. Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the three Archangels who are mentioned in the Sacred Scripture as manifestation of God's love and care for us. Some Angels are given proper names to denote the service they perform when they came among us. Thus, Michael means “Who is like God”, mentioned in the book of Revelation as the leader of the Heavenly host (Rev. 10:21, 12:7). Gabriel, "My Power is God", who also appears in the book of Daniel to explain some of the prophet’s visions and in the precious moment of the annunciation to Mary of the Incarnation (Luke 1:26-38). Raphael, "God Heals", who is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, as the angel who healed Tobit of his blindness (Tobit 12:15). In today's first reading, Daniel’s vision of Heaven focuses on the Ancient One and the glory of thousands of Holy ones. The Psalmist joins the choirs of angels who constantly sing God’s glory. Part of the “job” of the Angels is to give unending praise and thanksgiving to God.

In the ancient tradition, Bishops were described as “Angels” of their Church, thereby expressing a close connection between the ministry of overseer and the mission of Angels. From the Greek, "αγγελος" - “messenger, understand the Bishop’s role as one of service. In the Sacred Scripture and tradition, we can discern two aspects in the ministry of Angels: Angels are creatures who stand before God, their whole being is oriented to God. All three names of the Archangels end with the word “El”, which means “God”, who is inscribed in their names, in their nature. Their true nature is existing in God’s sight and for God. The second aspect that characterises Angels is that they are God’s messengers. They bring God to humankind, they open Heaven and earth. Precisely because they are with God, they are close to us, for God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. Today's Gospel shows a link between Jesus and the “Anointed One” of God who comes with foreknowledge and who is ministered to by the Angels-“messengers” of God. The Angels us back to ourselves, touching us on God’s behalf. In this sense, we must also be “Angels” to one another – who turn people away from the ways of error and direct them anew to God. We are called to a life of service, fully oriented towards God, to help people find their true nature and live the idea that God has of them.

May the Lord help us so that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us, as they minister perpetually to God in Heaven! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!

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