Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
The Archangels
Today the church celebrates the archangels, Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Who are they and why do we celebrate them? They are the unseen and unsoiled spirits poised at God’s command. The three archangels are mentioned in the Bible by name. We never walk alone; we are surrounded by millions of angels. This feast also recalls the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Rome in the fifth century.
Michael, the protector of God's people, is well known as the archangel who was empowered by God to cast Lucifer out of Heaven (today's alternative first reading). Lucifer is traditionally thought to be of the highest sphere of celestial beings (but wanted to become like God and had to be cast out) and, thus, being cast out by a lowly archangel was quite a humiliation.
Gabriel, the bringer of good news, is well known for being the archangel who brought the message of the Incarnation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
And Raphael, whose name means “God heals” is referred to in the Old Testament Book of Tobit and is said to have been sent to bring healing to Tobit’s eyes.
An archangel is the second order of angels just above the guardian angels. In all, there are nine orders of celestial beings that we commonly refer to as angels and all nine of these orders are traditionally organized into three spheres. The entire hierarchy is traditionally organized this way:
Highest Sphere: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Middle Sphere: Dominions, Virtues and Powers.
Lower Sphere: Principalities, Archangels and Angels (Guardian Angels).
The hierarchy of these celestial beings is ordered in accord with their function and purpose. The highest of the beings, the Seraphim Cherubim and Thrones, were created solely for the purpose of surrounding the Throne of God in perpetual worship and adoration. The lowest of the beings, the Guardian Angels, were created for the purpose of caring for humans and communicating God’s messages. The Archangels, whom we honor today, were created for the purpose of bringing messages of great importance to us and to accomplish tasks of the highest importance in our lives.
Though not much is known of these archangels, it’s important to believe in them, honor them and to pray to them. We pray to them because we believe God has entrusted them with a mission to help us bring healing, fight evil and proclaim the Word of God. Their power comes from God, but God has chosen to use the archangels, and all celestial beings, to accomplish His plan and purpose.
God's Angels serve us. The Scriptures tell us the angels are God's servants and messengers. "They are the mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word" (Psalm 103:20). The angels belong to Christ and were created for and through him (Colossians 1:16). The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of the role of the angels in God's plan of salvation: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)
God's angels watch over us as his guardians. The angels are not only messengers but protectors and guardians as well. "For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). We are not alone in our struggle against sin and evil in the world. The armies of heaven fight for us and with us in the spiritual battle for our hearts, minds, and wills.
Angels are creatures, purely spirit and possessing superior intellect. “In Him everything in heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominations, principalities or powers; all were created through Him, and for Him” (Col 1:16). In God’s redemptive plan, He uses these messengers at many critical points in salvation history. Angels:
• protected Lot (Gn 19:15),
• saved Hagar and her child (Gn 21:17ff),
• stayed Abraham’s hand (Gn 22:11-12),
• announced the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:11-13) and that of Jesus Himself (Lk 1:26-31),
• protected Jesus in His infancy (Mt 2:13),
• served Him in the desert (Mt 4:11), and
• strengthened Him in His agony in the garden (Lk 22:43).
On this feast day, ask for the intercession of the Archangels. God’s powerful messengers will deliver your petition to the heavenly throne (see Rv 8:3).
Let us Pray
Lord, thank You for the gift of the Archangels whom we honor today. Thank You for their powerful work in our lives. Help us to rely upon them and to love them for their service. Archangels, pray for us, heal us, teach us and protect us. Amen
Be blessed.
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