This week, we celebrate two important feast days pertaining to Angels. Wednesday, September 29 is the Feast of the Archangels, which includes our patron, St. Michael; and Saturday is the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.
We live in a dangerous world and sometimes we feel defenseless. Our worries are countless: we fear getting sick, we often face financial insecurity, and we are always concerned about our children. God created Angels to protect us, to inspire us, to give us courage, and to lead us safely home to Him. They are His servants and they are our friends. Angels provide for us a window to God, showing us His goodness, His power, and His love. Angels can help us strengthen our faith, comfort us when we are sorrowful, and lift our spirits. There are many examples of Angelic encounters in Scripture, and we all probably can share stories of when angels intervened in our own lives.
We also learn about the angels from other saints who have witnessed their power. St. John Chrysostom says, “The whole air about us is filled with angels.” St. John Bosco reminds us, “When tempted, invoke your angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped.” From St. Pio of Pietrelcina, we hear, “How consoling it is to know that we have a spirit who from womb to tomb never leaves us, even for an instant, not even when we dare to sin. And this heavenly spirit guides and protects us like a friend, a brother.” And St. Francis De Sales encourages us to, “Make friends with angels, who though invisible are always with you.”
St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologiae refers to three hierarchies of angels, each containing three choirs. The angels in the highest hierarchy (Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones) are closest to God and understand most clearly His son, Jesus. When God created the universe, He called on the angels in the second hierarchy (Dominions, Virtues, and Powers). The angels in the lowest hierarchy (Principalities, Archangels, and Angels) serve to uphold God’s laws and protect individuals. According to Aquinas, Archangels are the chief messengers of God to man.
Scripture tells us that Michael is Hebrew for Who is like God? Michael is referenced in Daniel, Jude, and Revelations: “Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back.” Gabriel, which is Hebrew for Man of God or Strength of God, is referenced in Luke and Daniel. “In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.” Finally, Raphael, which is Hebrew for God Heals, is referenced in Tobit. “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord.”
Scripture and Tradition inform us of St. Michael’s four main roles:
- His primary role is to go to battle against Satan
- His secondary role is to guide the faithful to heaven upon their death
- St. Michael is also an advocate for the Universal Church and for all Christians
- Finally, St. Michael assists the faithful in transitioning from life on Earth to heaven
In 1884, Pope Leo XIII, after a vision, composed the Prayer to St. Michael, and asked that the prayer be said throughout the universal Church at the end of Mass. This practice continued until about 1970 with the introduction of the new rite. In 1994, Pope John Paul II urged Catholics to recite this prayer once again. He stated, “Even if today this prayer is no longer recited at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, I invite all to not forget it, but to recite it in order to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and the spirit of this world.”
St. Michael’s School students recite the Prayer to St. Michael every morning, asking especially for His protection for our military, police force, and firefighters. Beginning in second grade, they learn about their guardian angel and pray the Guardian Angel Prayer.
We all need to remember the presence of the angels in our lives and call on them in our times of need. They are more than willing to help us lighten our load.
Geo Gratias,
Kathy
