Homily: Sept 29 - Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Scripture and Tradition are clear about the existence of the angels.  Though Scripture mentions angels over 200 times, only three are mentioned by name.  They are the Archangels whose feast we celebrate today: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael, whose name means “he who is like God” is the “great prince” angel in the book of Daniel, who is made special protector of the Chosen People.  And as we heard in the book of Revelation, Michael is chosen by God to lead the army of faithful angel’s against Satan’s army of fallen angels.

All angels were initially created holy, but many angels chose to turn away from God’s service and rebelled against God. Michael’s name is taken from his battle cry “Who is like God?”  Michael shouts this battle cry, “Who is like God?” at Lucifer and the angels who sought to usurp God’s sovereignty as they are cast out of heaven.

We hear the name of Gabriel several times throughout the year as we read the story of the annunciation.  Gabriel’s name means “God is mighty” or “God is my strength”.  We see Gabriel bringing these special messages that God, the mighty one, has come to the help of his people.

The Archangel Raphael’s name means “God has healed”.  In the Old Testament book of Tobit, Raphael heals Tobit of blindness, he protects and guides Tobias on his travels and he delivers Sarah from an evil demon.

All of the angels are God’s servants, but Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are given special roles in salvation history.  It is an angel who announces the birth of Samson, but it is an archangel, Gabriel, who announces the birth of John the Baptist and the Messiah.   Many angels serve God in protecting us from evil, but it is Michael who is set as a protector of the whole Church, who we can call upon by name.

You may have noticed the statue of St. Michael in the sanctuary today.  After Mass we will kneel in prayer and offer the beautiful prayer to Saint Michael composed by Pope Leo XIII.  We know the names of these archangels in particular so that we can have access to their heavenly assistance.  In an age filled with terrible evils, we do well to call upon these heavenly servants all the more.  

Through the intercession of the archangels may we know God’s healing, strength, and protection in our labors for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Through the intercession of St. Raphael may all who suffer from loneliness or sickness know the healing graces of our loving God.  We pray to the Lord.

Through the intercession of St. Gabriel, may God’s strength be with all those who work for the Spread of the Gospel.  We pray to the Lord.

And through the intercession of St. Michael, may all who are persecuted for the faith be protected against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  We pray to the Lord.