ARCHANGELS  

Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 

            Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are called ‘saints’ because they are holy. But they are different from the rest of the saints because they are not human. They are angels – more specifically, archangels. They are protectors of human beings.

            Michael’s name means “who is like God?” In the Book of Revelation (12:7-9), we read of a great war that took place in heaven. Michael and his angels battled with Satan. Michael became the champion of loyalty to God. We can ask St. Michael to make us strong in our love for Jesus and in the practice of our Christian faith.

            Gabriel’s name means “the power of God.” He has become familiar to us because Gabriel was the one who announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of our Savior. He also announced to Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son and call him John. Gabriel is the messenger of the Good News. We can ask St. Gabriel to help us be good messengers as he was.

            Raphael’s name means “God has healed.” We read the touching story of Raphael’s role in the Book of Tobit. He brought healing to the blind Tobit, and accompanied Tobit’s son, Tobiah, on his journey. At the very end of the journey, Raphael revealed his true identity. He said he was one of the seven angels who stand before God’s throne. We can ask St. Raphael to protect us in our travels. We can also ask him to help us when we or our loved ones get sick.

            Let us end with a short prayer: God our Father, in a wonderful way you guide the work of angels and humans. May those who serve you constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth. St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, be with us today. Help us to be faithful to Jesus and be good messengers of his love. Amen.