Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Apocalypse 12:7-12 / John 1:47-51
In today’s feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, we are brought to an awareness of the spiritual world of angels.
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael are called archangels as they were entrusted with a particular mission of God’s plan of salvation.
St. Michael is mentioned in the book of the Apocalypse as the leader of the heavenly host of angels who defeated the devil and his angels and drove them out of heaven.
St. Gabriel is mentioned in the book of Daniel to explain some of the prophet’s visions, and he was also the bearer of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, and he is the angel who heals Tobit of his blindness. His name means “God heals”.
In celebrating the feast of these three archangels and remembering their mission in God’s plan of salvation, we reflect on our existence and meaning in life.
St. Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
We too came into this world and God has a plan for us. May St. Gabriel help us understand and fulfil God’s plan in our lives.
St. Michael is the protector of God’s people from the wickedness and snares of the devil. May St. Michael protect us from evil and danger as we carry out God’s will.
And when we stumble and fall into sin, may St. Raphael pray for us to be forgiven and healed, and also to recover quickly from illness and sickness.
May St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael pray for us, that like them, we will fulfil God’s plan for us and do His will always.