SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS (FEAST)

You will see . . . the angels of God. 

This is a unique feast day! Feast days dedicated to saints naturally encourage us to examine the life of that saint and reflect on how we can follow their example in our own lives. But it would certainly be hard to do this when it comes to archangels. After all, they’re . . . angelic!

However, we still can celebrate the work that these archangels have done on our behalf and strive to follow their example of quick obedience and love for God. Let’s consider what we can learn from each one of the archangels we celebrate today.

St. Michael is best known for doing battle against Lucifer. We believe that St. Michael continues to serve God by interceding for us when we need protection against the snares of the devil. This is not just a single battle; it requires daily vigilance and fortitude against temptation. Like St. Michael, we can make sure we are wearing the “armor of God” each day so that we are always ready to fight the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:11).

St. Gabriel is the messenger angel who brought God’s world-changing news to Mary and who told Zechariah about the birth of his son, John the Baptist. Following Gabriel’s example, we can try to be more attuned to listening to the Lord and more eager to share what we hear. His example of delivering good news should encourage us to not hesitate to deliver the good news of God’s love to the people around us.

Disguised as a man, St. Raphael accompanied Tobias on his dangerous journey, where he cast out an evil spirit and helped Tobias cure his father’s blindness. Following Raphael’s lead, we can also be “angels” to people we meet and accompany them on their walk through the ups and downs of life.

These three archangels are always ready to hear God’s mission for them and fulfill it immediately. May we follow their example and make ourselves instruments of God’s grace to everyone he sends us to.

“Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, help me follow your example of service to God in all that I do.”

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 138:1-5
John 1:47-51