Archangels Heal, Guide, and Protect

September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels, when we honor Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, the only angels mentioned by name in Sacred Scripture. In 1986, over the course of six General Audiences, Pope Saint John Paul II gave a Catechesis on the Holy Angels in which he offered amazing insight on these three great figures. Of Raphael, the pontiff said, "He is made known to us by the story of Tobias in the Old Testament, which is so significant for what it says about entrusting to the angels the little children of God, who are always in need of custody, care, and protection."

Pointing out that the name Raphael means "God heals," John Paul II's reflection references the Archangel's encounter with Tobias, who is the child of Tobit. Raphael protects Tobias on the journey he makes for his father, and also heals Sarah, Tobias' future wife, and cures Tobit of his blindness. Today, we recognize Saint Raphael as the patron of travelers, the blind, and bodily ills. We also see his intercession on behalf of Tobit's family as signifying the power Raphael wields to the benefit of those who implore his assistance.

Saint Gabriel is the patron of messengers, and John Paul II called him "a figure bound especially to the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God," in reference to Gabriel's Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of Luke.

Gabriel first appears in Sacred Scripture to the prophet Daniel to assist in the interpretation of his visions, which prefigures the clarity Gabriel brings about the coming of Christ in the New Testament.

John Paul II explained that the name Gabriel means "power of God," and it is "as if to say that the culmination of creation, the Incarnation, is the supreme sign of the omnipotent Father."

Of Saint Michael, John Paul II said, "His name is a synthesis that expresses the essential attitude of the good spirits. 'Mica-EL' in fact means: 'Who is like God?' In this name, therefore, we find expressed the salvific choice thanks to which the angels 'see the face of the Father' who is in Heaven."

Michael appears in the Book of Daniel in a prophetic role, which prefigures his appearance in the Book of Revelation, where he leads God's armies in the victory of good over evil. Many know the Prayer to Saint Michael, which begins, "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle." We should invoke that prayer in our own struggles to see good triumph over evil in our lives and in the world around us.

In his Catechesis on the Holy Angels, John Paul II said, "According to Revelation, the angels who participate in the life of the Trinity in the light of glory are also called to play their part in the history of the salvation of man, in the moments established by divine Providence.

"And Saint John Chrysostom said, "When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth."

These mighty Archangels are given to us by God to intercede in our struggle for salvation, so let us pray for Saint Michael to protect us, Saint Raphael to bring us healing and guidance, and Saint Gabriel to herald at all times the coming of Christ in our lives.

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Father Ed Dougherty, M.M., The Christophers' Board of Directors ; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

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