Feast of the Archangels

Ave Maria!  Today is the glorious Feast of the Archangels -- St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael.  Each of these messengers from God performs a different mission: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides.  And they are all quite busy in our lives, day and night, powerfully and unceasingly assisting us in our journey with Christ to the Father.  We are not alone!  The archangels are with us!  Glory Hallelujah!  As this Greek icon beautifully depicts:  

"Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: 'When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him' (Mt 25:31).  They belong to him because they were created through and for him: 'for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities--all things were created through him and for him' (Col 1:16).  They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: 'Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?' (Heb 1:14)" (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, cf. #328-354)

Thank you, dear St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael for your loving, abiding presence in my life.  May your song of praise to our God Most High always be my own:  HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!  Amen.  Alleluia!

Today's Feast: The Archangels

Michael is a prince of God and page of Mary.
He stands beside the tall throne of his Queen.
He is the warrior who made peace in heaven
and keeps the earth serene.

Then why should I take fright when foes or demons
assail me with their treacheries or wrath,
when I have knowledge that the Queen’s archangel
is keeper of my path?

O heart, believe. The great winged prince of heaven
watches the Queen’s child with a warrior’s eye
and lifts his flaming spear and comes like lightning
at the first cry.

"Michael," by Jessica Powers aka Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit

Today's Feast: The Archangels!!!

Today we celebrate the feast of the archangels. Archangels!!! Definitely an occasion for an exclamation point -- or perhaps three since today we call upon this holy trio: Michael, Who is like God -- Gabriel, The Strength of God -- and Raphael, God’s Remedy (from a homily by St. Gregory the Great) !!!

Raphael is the healer, who bring us God's healing to make us fit and whole for the service of the Great King of Heaven and Earth. He brings us the healing of the King of Love so that we might love and serve Him alone, always singing His praises and always leading others to Him. Raphael, the guide of Tobias in the Old Testament, is sometimes called the Angel of Happy Meetings. There's a prayer to him that's been circulating within the church for a very long time, a poignent plea for him to lead and protect us as we make our way through this valley of tears. Raphael brings us healing by bringing us home to God. Today I ask Raphael to be our good remedy, we who so ardently yearn for full union with our Lord and with those whom we love so dearly.

PRAYER TO RAPHAEL, ANGEL OF HAPPY MEETINGS

O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your joy.

Angel, guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.

Remember the weak, you who are strong – you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God.

Amen.