Today we celebrate the three “big” angels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  

If Michael were here to speak for his feast day, what would he say? What would Gabriel say, and Raphael? Revelation 12:7-12 sounds like Michael. His name means, “Who is like God” (El), or “Who can compare with God?” This was his war cry, according to legend, when Satan rebelled against God and was cast down by Michael and his angels. Michael is aflame with Fear of the Lord, the awareness of God as God that sees all creatures in perspective as nothing in comparison. It is unthinkable to him that anyone would challenge “the reign of our God and the authority of his Anointed One.” 

That would be his message to us; that and confidence that nothing can defeat God, Christ, or those who are his body on earth. 

Gabriel means “El is strong.” He tells what the power of God is going to accomplish. He was probably chosen to announce the Incarnation to Mary because his is the only angelic name of the Old Testament that is connected to the messianic fulfillment.  We can hear him saying in this text: “Now have salvation and power come…. for the accuser is cast out.” Those who accused the believers of “foolishness” for “enduring evil with love,” and saw their acceptance of death as “utter destruction,” have seen the power of God triumph in the glory of the “end time.” (1Corinthians 1:17-31 Wisdom 3:1-9.)  

We also think of Gabriel in John 1:47-51 when Jesus interprets the future for Nathanael: “You will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

Raphael means “El heals.” In the book of Tobit, he makes present the “healing power of God. This is not limited to illness and injury; it also protects travelers and defends people from the attacks of demons who inflict bodily injury. (McKenzie, S.J., Dictionary of the Bible; and see Tobit, chapters 5, 6,8.) 

It’s not too far-fetched to see Raphael as the “guardian angel” of all whom Jesus calls to journey with him—as he called Nathaniel and calls us all in his “Pilgrim Church.” When Tobiah’s mother feared for him on his journey, her husband reassured her: “Do not worry! Our son will leave in good health and come back to us in good health. Your own eyes will see the day when he returns to you safe and sound. So, do not worry; do not fear…. For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health.”  

This is true of all whom Jesus sends on mission and entrusts with stewardship for establishing the reign of God. No matter what trials we pass through, God our Father will “deliver us from the Evil One.” Celebrating his angels reminds us.  

Prayer Prompt:  Michael is mentioned four times in the Bible: Daniel 10:13 ff. and 12:1; Jude v. 9; Revelation 12:7-9. Look up the references. He is presented as a “great prince” and the “guardian of God’s People,” who, with other angels, battles against Satan. He has become a symbol of God’s help against the power of evil, and his name (which means “Who is like God?”) invites us to see the lie in anything that pretends to compete with God for our loyalty or desire. During our baptism we (or our godparents in our name) were asked, “Do you reject Satan?… and all his works?… and all his empty promises?” Michael reminds us of this. He holds up before our eyes the banner that proclaims that God is our one God, the one Person we want to please before all others, and the only true source of happiness and goodness. He invites us to see through all the false values advertised in our society. He also invites us not to fear the power of evil or of evil people, because God is almighty, and Jesus has overcome both sin and death. 

Gabriel is presented as God’s messenger, especially to Mary in the Annunciation (see Luke 1:11-38 and Daniel 8:16-26 and 9:21-27). He helps us be messengers of Good News to one another.  

Raphael is sent to heal and guide (see the book of Tobias and John 5:1-4). Raphael is a special angel for dentists, doctors, nurses, counsellors, and all healthcare personnel. 

Get in touch with the Archangels and your Guardian Angel. Why neglect assets? 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings, Lectionary #459/650, on the USCCB website here

Fr. David M. Knight (1931-2021) was a priest of the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee, a prolific writer, and a highly sought after confessor, spiritual director, and retreat master. He authored more than 40 books and hundreds of articles that focus primarily on lay spirituality and life-long spiritual growth.