The Feast of the Three Archangels
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.
Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)
In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.
The Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.
ST. MICHAEL
The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, “Who is like unto God?”
St Michael is known as “the prince of the heavenly host.”
>> He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour.
St Michael appears on four occasions in the Bible:
>> In Dan 10:13 and in Dan 12:1, he appears as the special guardian of the people of Israel.
>> In Jude 9, he appears in a dispute with the Devil.
>> In Rev 12:7-9, he fights against Satan and his evil forces.
What does St Michael teach us?
St Michael teaches us…
… to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan
… to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
… to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.
ST GABRIEL
The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, “God is my strength”
St Gabriel is known as a “messenger of God”
>> He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.
St Gabriel appears three times in the Bible:
>> In Dan 8:15–26 and 9:21–27, he appears to Daniel to explain his visions
In Lk 1:11-38, he appears to Zechariah and Mary to deliver the good news from God
What does St Gabriel teach us?
St Gabriel invites us…
… to listen to God’s voice and inspirations through various sources.
… to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God’s Providence.
… to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.
ST RAPHAEL
The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, “God has healed?”
St Raphael is known as “a wonderful helper and fellow traveller”
>> He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.
St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:
>> St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.
What does St Raphael teach us?
St Raphael inspires us…
… to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
… to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
… to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.
Let the celebration of this Feast of the Three Archangels – St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael – help us to grow in our love for our Blessed Lord!
>> The Lord wants us to grow in holiness.
>> The Lord wants us to be protected in His care.
>> The Lord wants to be fearless in being His beloved Child.
May the Archangels help us in this our journey of life.