September 29, 2016

Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, archangels

Jn 1: 47-51

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” 

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Healing - Proclaiming - Protecting

Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels. These three archangels help God's people in diverse ways throughout Scripture: Raphael heals, Gabriel proclaims, and Michael protects. These angelic duties are ones we can participate in as well. How do I help those in my life find healing and hope? How do I joyfully proclaim the truth about Jesus? How do I fight against evil and protect the vulnerable?

In today’s Gospel, Nathanael meets Jesus and is taken aback. Jesus knows a small detail about Nathanael's life, but Jesus affirms Nathanael's faith and honesty. He promises Nathanael that he'll see even more amazing things if he follows Jesus as a disciple. How many of us are like Nathanael, expecting that we aren't noticed? Sometimes it's easy to feel like our small acts of faith are sidelined by more important people or attention-grabbing headlines, but Jesus sees into our hearts like he saw Nathanael's. Each of us is invited to share in Jesus’ life and mission. He promises us all “greater things.” Do I take him at his word?

—Maggie Melchior is a convert to the Catholic faith. She currently serves as Coordinator of New Evangelization and Faith Formation at St. Paul Parish, Combined Locks, WI, in the Diocese of Green Bay.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth.
Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger.

Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News, I ask him to help me clearly, hear your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel, I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery.

Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the presence of the archangels and their desire to serve us.
Holy Angels pray for us. Amen