Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
The angels bear God’s messages and the divine aid. Their very names reflect this. In the face of Satan’s pride, Michael bears the name “Who is like God?”, the message of God’s transcendence to those tempted to hubris. In the face of what seems impossible, Gabriel bears the name “The strength of God”, the message to Zechariah and to Mary that God can do all things. In the face of the sufferings of sickness and journeying, Raphael bears the name “The healing of God”, a message of hope and restoration to the aged Tobit and his son. The angels bear these messages and they seek to help us to have humble faith, hope in God’s power, and strength to continue on the journey God sets before us.
In a special way, the archangels’ missions reflect the encompassing nature of God’s love. The messages and the aid they bring do not concern just one single person, but rather, are meant to help all of God’s People. On this day, let us ask the archangels to watch over those nations and parts of the Church which are particularly suffering and in need of divine assistance.