Today is the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
St. Gregory the Great notes that angels do not have names unless and until they are given a mission from God to announce a message. There are untold millions of angels in heaven, all created as pure spirits, in continual praise and adoration of our God. Our faith tradition teaches us that God assigns to each of us a “guardian angel” to protect and guide us in our daily effort to grown in wisdom and grace. Scripture also makes clear that at great events of salvation history, God sends an “archangel” to proclaim a message.
Michael means, “Who is like God?” When God wanted to do something requiring courageous effort, he sent Michael. Michael did battle with Satan and cast him out of heaven after he revolted.
Gabriel means, “The strength of God.” God sent Gabriel to announce something that would require strength from the meek and lowly. God sent Gabriel to announce to the Virgin Mary his plan for her to be the Mother of God.
Raphael means, “The medicine of God.” When a message of healing was needed, God sent Raphael. We read of this in the book of Tobit in the Old Testament when he healed Tobit’s blindness.
Let us today ask the archangels to pray for us before the throne of God that we might fight bravely the influence of evil, be strengthened by his grace in living out his plan for us, and that we may be healed of our wounded hearts, minds and bodies.
And let’s not forget our unnamed guardian angels. Remember the prayer your mother taught you?
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love has commited me here; ever this day be at my side; to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen
