The Archangels

*✞ Feast of the Archangels✞*(September 29)
The Church professes and proclaims Her faith in God which is encapsulated in the Nicene Creed.
The Nicene Creed begins with the proclamation, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE.”
The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith!
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.
Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)
In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.
The Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.
*St. Michael:*The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”
St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”
He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour.
St Michael makes an appearance in the Bible on four occasions:
In Dan 10:13and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.
In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.
In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.
What does St Michael teach us?
St Michael teaches us to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan
St Michael teaches us to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
St Michael teaches us to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.
*St. Gabriel:*The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”
St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”
He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.
St Gabriel makes an appearance three times in the Bible:
In Dan 8:15–26 and 9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions
In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God
St Gabriel invites us to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.
St Gabriel invites us to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.
St Gabriel invites us to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.
*St Raphael:*The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”
St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”
He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.
St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:
St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.
St Raphael inspires us to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
St Raphael inspires us to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
St Raphael inspires us to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.
Let the celebration of this Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael help us to grow in our love for our heavenly friends.
The Lord wants us to grow in holiness.
The Lord wants us to be protected in His care.
The Lord wants to be fearless in being His beloved Child.
May the Archangels help us in this our journey of life.
Happy Feast Day!
God Bless! Live Jesus!