Saints for the day: Archangels, Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

Scripture Readings for today’s Liturgy:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 – Revelation 12:7 – 12 –Psalm 138 – John 1:47-51

“Jesus said, ‘you will see greater thing than this … you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” (words from today’s Gospel of John

Being that my Baptismal name is “Michael” I can take this day as my “Feast Day!”

The names of these three archangels come down to us through tradition and by way of what they are sent to do. The suffix, “el” is the Hebrew word for God. Thus Micha-EL is strong for God or God protects. Gabri-EL is God’s messenger and Rapha-EL is God’s healing

In grammar school the nuns always had us leave room on our desk bench for our Guardian Angel? I remember asking another student, “How much room did I have to leave on my desk seat for my Guardian Angel?” Or … how many angels can stand on the head of a pin?” These were the serious questions when I was growing up. With our arms crossed on our chest we recited the Guardian Angel Prayer … “Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God’s love commits thee here. Ever this day be at my side to light to guard to rule and guide. Amen.

Collectively, the duties of angels tell us something about God. They are announcers of the wonder of God. They bring healing and are with us always protecting us from all evil afflictions. “St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, oh heavenly host, by the divine power, cast into Hell Satan and all his evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

I’ve had several encounters with Angles over the years but that’s another story for another time.