Friday, September 29, 2023, Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12a; Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51
Today we celebrate the three Archangels the church names by name. The following is information from the Encyclopedia of Saints:
The first is Saint Michael, whose name means, “Who is like God.” He is also the angel of death, assisting the soul of each person on its journey after death to heaven for judgment. Second, he is the special patron and protector of the Chosen People of the Old Testament. Third, he is the supreme foe of Satan and the fallen legions, being named specifically in the book of Revelations as fighting against Satan and the coming at the end of the world to command the hosts of the Lord in the final struggle. And lastly, he is the guardian of the Church. There is no one better I would want at my side during a spiritual battle than Saint Michael the Archangel.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel is known as the “Angel of the Annunciation.” He was the angel sent to Zachariah in the book of Daniel, and the one to proclaim the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gabriel is also associated with the incarnation of Christ. He announced the coming of Christ in the Old Testament and told Zachariah of the birth of Saint John the Baptist. It is also believed that Saint Gabriel may have been the heavenly being who expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. He is also the patron of modern telecommunications and postal services.
Saint Raphael the Archangel’s name means, “The Healer of God.” He is considered one of the angels of healing. He is honored in Christian lore as the head of the guardian angels, the angel of knowledge, and the angel of science. Raphael appears in the Old Testament Book of Tobit, in which he helps Tobias rid himself of the frightful torments of the demon, Asmodeus. He tells Tobias: “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” He is also the patron saint of travelers and the blind.
These three Archangels are synonymous with the battle between good and evil, and with taking care of the one on the throne as mentioned in the books of Daniel and Revelations. There is no one better for us to emulate and call upon when we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. Along with our Savior, these three archangels will rally all the angels and principalities to come to our aid. We no longer need to fear, for they, and God, are with us through it all.
Saint James Catholic Church 