The Archangels

The Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.. In the Christian tradition, following Jewish thought, angels are created by God for a special mission. The Holy Church explains the special mission of angels and their role in God’s plan of salvation: “From infancy human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” In the Holy Scriptures, we hear of three great angels who brought forth God’s message and have accomplished God’s will by bringing forth protection for His people, healing for the sick, and relaying good news to humanity. They are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Michael, whose name means “Who Is Like God,” is known to have fought with Satan who desired to replace God. The book of Revelation speaks about this battle between goodness and evil. “Then war broke out in heaven; Michael The Feast of the Archangels and his angels battled against the dragon. Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent known as the devil or Satan, the seducer of the whole world, was driven out; he was hurled down to earth and his minions with him.” (Rev 12:7-9). Gabriel is specially known for being the messenger of God’s good news to Mary. The Gospel of Luke narrates how Gabriel broke the news to Mary that she was specially chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Gabriel said to Mary: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). It was also Gabriel who had earlier appeared to Zechariah prophesying that his wife would bear a son: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.” (see Lk 1:13). The name Gabriel means “God is my strength.” Raphael, the book of Tobit recounts, is one of seven angels “who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” (Tob 12:15). The name means “God is my health” signifying his mission to bring forth God’s healing to His people. Also in the same book, it is narrated how Raphael restored Tobit’s sight by touching his eyes. As we celebrate their feast, let us strive to read the Holy Scriptures so that we will be acquainted with the role of the angels in God’s kingdom. Let us also ask their assistance as we continue our journey towards fullness of life that they may guide and protect, enlighten and encourage us to be faithful sons and daughters of the Father who is all good and the source of all love. //

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