Word to the Wise
Monday, September 29, 2025 - 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]
The existence of angels is part of all three major "Abrahamic" faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Christian tradition, the work of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (The Heavenly Hierarchy, 5th or 6th century AD) has been the most influential. St. Thomas Aquinas OP accepted that work in his treatment of angels in the Summa Theologiae. This provides for nine ranks of angels, based somewhat on the Letters to Ephesians and Colossians. I remember having to memorize the nine ranks in grade school: angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim and seraphim!!!
The three archangels we celebrate today are taken from accounts in the Bible. Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit as a healer. Gabriel appears especially in the Gospel According to Luke in the account of the annunciation to Mary. Michael appears in the Book of Revelation in a mighty battle with Satan. Michael has made a comeback in the revival of the custom in some parts of the USA of saying the Prayer to St. Michael at the end of Mass. In my youth, this prayer was part of prayers at the end of Mass for the Conversion of Russia!!!
Human imagination has supplied a lot of imagery, especially the feathered wings (Gabriel) and Roman military uniform (for Michael). In the resurrection accounts, unnamed angels wear white robes. And last, but not least, we each have our own Guardian Angel! In 1st grade, the sister who taught catechism to us asked us to move over in our desks to make room for that heavenly companion.
Any celebration of the angels is a celebration of God's loving providence and protection. And for this we can be grateful for the three archangels we celebrate today. AMEN