Word to the Wise
Saturday, September 29, 2018 - Sept. 29 - Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
[Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12a 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." [John]
Catholic tradition has long honored three angelic figures who are mentioned in the Bible. Michael appears in the Book of Daniel {12:1] and the Book of Revelation [12:7-9]. Gabriel appears also in the Book of Daniel [9-21] and the Gospel According to Luke [1:26 et. seq.]. Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit [Ch. 5-12]. Michael is regarded as a fierce warrior and defender of the church. Many of us know that traditional prayer, "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...." Gabriel is known as a herald of good news. Raphael is known as a healer. They are celebrated as much for what they DO as for WHO they are.
It is in what they represent by their actions that we can find inspiration. We are all called to stand up for our faith against forces that would deny it or even destroy it, whether these be political, moral or any other secular influence. Michael is our help there. We are all called by virtue of our baptism to announce the good news of salvation. Gabriel is ready to help. Last but not least, we can all be healers, whether it be in health care or in simple acts of caring for the poor, hungry, naked, sick or newly arrived on our shores and borders. Raphael is there to help.
Soon, we will celebrated those whom we call our "guardian angels." At this present time in our church, we need all the help we can get. AMEN