My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you today on this beautiful feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. We remember that before God created the visible universe—the known universe, which exorcists tell us accounts for only 4% of what He has created—96% is the spiritual realm, the myriads and myriads of angels that belong to this 96% of what God has created. And we know that among the angels, God has destined specific ones to have a particular function, a particular vocation within salvation history.
Of all those angels, God chose Saint Michael, who for all intents and purposes was in one of the lower ranks of the choirs of angels—the Archangels—because we cannot forget that at the top we had the Seraphim. And then we continued down the hierarchy of angels: the Cherubim, the Thrones, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Dominations, Archangels, and Angels, including Guardian Angels.
And so, God, from the second lowest tier, gives to this particular Archangel a strength like none other—one who would lead them all in his battle cry. The meaning of his name: Who is like God. Michael stands as the protector of God’s people and a defender of truth against deception. He embodies the victory of humility and fidelity over pride and rebellion, and teaches us what it means to remain faithful to God. Michael teaches us courage in the spiritual battle.
Evil is real. Satan is horrific. He is terrifying. But he is no match for Saint Michael the Archangel, who has been empowered by God to cast Satan out of heaven. And this is what we see in today’s first reading: goodness that casts out evil.
Then we have Saint Gabriel, whose name means God is my strength. Gabriel is the messenger of God’s greatest announcements. He interprets visions for Daniel, he announces John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah, and he brings the good news of the Incarnation to our Blessed Mother Mary, who would one day be made his queen in heaven, the Queen of all the angels and saints.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises Nathaniel that he will see angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man—a reminder of God’s revelation and communication through heavenly messengers. Gabriel represents clarity in hearing and transmitting God’s Word faithfully. Such a beautiful patron for us preachers who are called to do the same: to present God’s Word faithfully and with clarity, not leaving any room for ambiguity.
Saint Gabriel is the angel of good news, of divine strength, of truth spoken without fear. He teaches us openness to God’s Word and boldness in sharing it. We too are called to be messengers—to carry God’s Word into our families, communities, and workplaces.
And then we have Saint Raphael, whose name means God heals. In the Book of Tobit, Raphael guides Tobias on his journey, protects him from danger, heals Tobit’s blindness, and brings Sara relief from spiritual oppression. His mission is one of healing and guidance, restoring wholeness and peace.
Raphael represents God’s merciful care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. He is the companion on the journey, pointing us back to God as the true healer. He teaches us to trust in God’s providence, especially when we are sick, anxious, or lost. And he reminds us that God sends help along the way—sometimes through people, sometimes through unseen grace, and through His unseen angels. Like Raphael, we can be healing presences for others, bringing encouragement, mercy, and compassion into a broken world.
We also need the accompaniment of these holy Archangels in our lives—and our guardian angels—who so often are misconstrued, unappreciated, forgotten, and ignored. Unacknowledged, they remain always faithful by our side, inspiring us against the evil inclinations that Satan and his fallen demons try to seed within our imagination, our minds, and our hearts.
We have angels that protect and guide us, that care for us, that continually pray for us, who stand before the Father of all lights, the Father of all truth, the Father of all angels. May they continue to pray for us now and always.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of All Angels, pray for us who have recourse to thee. ✝
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