Today
we celebrate three archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. The term archangel
occurs only in one book of the bible and seems to be an honorary term given to
angels whose names appeared in scripture. Michael
means - who is like God. He is understood as the one who marshals heavenly
power against evil. He is often depicted in warrior mode. He is the universal
patron for the church and against evils and Satan battles. Gabriel means - God is strong and he is the one who carried
important messages to Mary, Joseph and Zachariah; he is the patron saint of
communication. Raphael means - God has
healed. He is the promoter of healthy and the patron saint of medicine.
The
word angel means messenger in the original Greek. Angels, as stated in the
scripture, serve many other functions: companions, guardians, guides,
overseers,, members of the heavenly court.
All
this suggests that we should think of them as personifications of the loving
presence of God among us and in us. in any case, we understand angels best if
we think of them as doing what all of us should be doing for each other, that
is, serving as the means by which God heals, comforts, strengthens, helps
fellow human beings, touches to soothe, accompanies, welcomes, supports,
defends....etc. Our angels are our fellow humans in acting the grace of God in
LOVE....
PRAYER TO: SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
St. Michael the defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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