Word to the Wise
Friday, September 29, 2006 - STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL
[Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12AB and John 1:47-51]]Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
For some reason the scripture for this feast features only apocalyptic imagery in regard to the three archangels. Their names are a bit more informative in terms of their roles: Michael (Warrior), Gabriel(Messenger), Raphael(Healer). They are definitely the stuff of Christian imagination with their long robes and big wings (although Michael seems to wear armor as well). Michael appears in the New Testament in the Letter of Jude and Revelations. Gabriel appears in both Old and New Testaments in Daniel and Luke. Raphael appears only in the Old Testament in the Book of Tobias. What are we to make of these heroes whom we refer to as "saints?" They're not exactly saints in the same way that human saints are! The bible and Christian tradition clearly accept the existence of angels. There is also the feast of Guardian Angels! In recent years there have been a number of books on the subject, especially relating experiences that individuals report of contact with angels! It's all a rather open field for faith and imagination. I think I find it easier to relate to the three angels in terms of their names and the fact that those names identify (probably not intentionally in the bible) three important aspects of Jesus' own ministry: his battle with demons, his proclamation of the message of the kingdom and his healing of the sick. If the archangels can serve as reminders to us of what God can do for us, then this feast day serves a very important purpose. AMEN