Feast of the Archangels

This week our Parish celebrated the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, three great archangels of the Bible. They serve as mediators between God and man. For this reason, they’re given names, so we may know them individually and call upon their intercession.

Each of the three archangels appear in Scripture.

• Saint Michael appears in the Book of Daniel, then again in the Epistle of Jude. But his best known reference is in the Book of Revelation, where he is depicted fighting against the dragon (identified with Satan). This has led to depictions of Saint Michael as a warrior.
• Saint Gabriel appears in the Book of Daniel too, and then later in the New Testament where he announces both the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus, to Zechariah and the Blessed Virgin, respectively.
• Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies Tobias on a journey to bring medicine to cure his father’s blindness.

While the term “saint” is normally reserved for human beings who lead exemplary and holy lives, it had traditionally been used to acknowledge those who have led a holy life. Just like the saints in heaven, the angels can intercede for us and offer up our prayers.

In the Book of Tobit, Saint Raphael even says: “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Lord” (Tob 12:15).

Through Michael, may we seek God’s protection. Through Gabriel, may we seek God’s revelation. And through Raphael, may we seek God’s healing.

It was wonderful to see so many parishioners in attendance at our weekday mass services this week both at Holy Spirit and Holy Cross churches celebrating the Feast Days of the great archangels. May they answer your prayers.