Feast of the Archangels

 September 29: Feast of the Archangels

     Today September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels, sometimes called the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; or the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels or simply Michaelmas.  

     The word ‘Archangel’ means ‘high-ranking angel’. The three archangels whom the Roman Catholic Church honours by name are St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. They are also the only three angels who are mentioned by name in Sacred Scripture. Each of the archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides.

St. Michael, the protector, is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host." He is the Guardian of the Church and is usually shown as a strong warrior, dressed in armor and holding a sword while defeating the devil. His name appears in Scripture four times, twice in the Book of Daniel (Dan 10:21 and 2:1), and once each in the Epistle of St. Jude (Jude 9) and the Book of Revelation 12:7. 

     Speaking of St. Michael. Pope St. John Paul II said, “His name is a synthesis that expresses the essential attitude of the good spirits. ‘Mica-EL’ in fact means: ‘Who is like unto God?’ In this name, therefore, we find expressed the salvific choice thanks to which the angels ‘see the face of the Father’ who is in Heaven.” Saint Michael reminds us that evil does not have the final word. God does.

St. Gabriel is the "Messenger from God" and is often shown with lilies, symbolizing purity. St. John Paul II said, “[St. Gabriel’s] name means: ‘my power is God’ or ‘power of God,’ as if to say that the culmination of creation, the Incarnation is the supreme sign of the omnipotent Father.” Saint Gabriel reminds us to listen when God speaks, and to have the courage to say yes to His will.

     In this Old Testament book of Daniel, Archangel Gabriel interprets Daniel’s visions. 

In the New Testament the Gospel of St Luke mentions him in two pivotal moments

     1. Zechariah, a Jewish priest, and his wife Elizabeth had been unable to have children, and Elizabeth was well beyond childbearing years. St. Gabriel approached Zechariah while the priest was burning incense in the temple. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John” (Luke 1:13). However, Zechariah doubted his words. In response, the archangel said, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time” (Luke 1:19-20). This child who was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth was St. John the Baptist.

     2. St. Gabriel also appeared to Mary at the Annunciation: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:26-38).

St. Raphael is "the Healer" and is depicted with the fish symbol for his role in spiritual and material healing. St. John Paul II said, “Finally, the third archangel is called Raphael. ‘Rafa-EL’ means: ‘God heals.’ Saint Raphael reminds us that God sees our wounds, guides our steps, and can bring healing even when we cannot see where He is leading us.

     He is made known to us by the story of Tobias in the Old Testament book of Tobit 12:14-15 we are told that as Tobias and St. Raphael, taking the form of Azariah, were traveling together when Tobias went to wash in the Tigris River. A fish tried to attack him, but St. Raphael told him to catch the fish and remove the heart, liver, and gall. He then used them to deliver Sarah from spiritual bondage. She was married seven times, and a demon killed each husband on their wedding night. Tobias eventually marries Sarah, with St. Raphael’s help. Also, St. Raphael helps restore the sight of Tobias’ father, Tobit, who had become blind.

These three archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael were three special messengers of God who were sent to accomplish very specific tasks in very specific ways. 

We end with a prayer to them that they may help us achieve our own very specific task that we are each called to do.

 

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, on this joyful Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we thank You for the angels whom You send to guide, protect and strengthen Your people. Through Saint Michael, defender of Your truth, give us courage to resist evil and remain faithful to You. Through Saint Gabriel, messenger of Your Good News, open our hearts to listen to Your Word and generously say “Yes” to Your call. Through Saint Raphael, companion and healer, walk beside those who are sick, troubled, lonely or afraid, bringing them healing, hope and peace.

Holy Archangels, accompany our families and communities. Protect our homes, guide our young people, strengthen those who serve You, and lead us ever closer to Jesus. May we too become messengers of hope, instruments of healing and courageous witnesses of faith.

Father, send Your holy angels to watch over us today and always.
Amen.