Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael – the Archangels. We truly celebrate all of the Holy Angels. Our readings reflect that. We have two options for the first reading. The first, from Daniel 7, contains a vision of heaven. Here we see “myriads upon myriads” attending to the Ancient One. In our other option from Revelation 12, we see St. Michael doing battle with Satan and his minions. I love this story…very macho stuff! In the Gospel today from John 1, Jesus speaks of “the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Lots of people have a mistaken notion about angels. Many think that when someone dies, they go to heaven and become an angel. It’s a noble thought, and I know that many could not be convinced otherwise. In fact, my wife and I have had a miscarriage, and we believe that our little Jesse is in heaven waiting for us. But he is not, by definition, an angel. We do believe that he is an intercessor for us. But angels are created beings, just like us. Only without physical bodies. They are pure spirit.
Different angels have different functions. The Archangels are God’s messengers. Guardian angels watch over us. The cherubim and seraphim serve God in different ways. Throughout time, God has sent angels to aid those here on earth. While we will never be angels, it is a good and holy thing for us to strive to be angelic while we’re walking around on the planet. So, let’s see if we can find an opportunity to be an angel to someone today!
Father, we thank you for the Holy Angels. Help us today to strive to be angelic, and to be an angel to someone in need this day. Amen.
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