Today we acknowledge three powerful champions of the spiritual realm: the archangels Raphael, Gabriel and Michael. Raphael, whose name means God heals, is credited with helping Tobit and Sarah (Tob3: 16-17). Gabriel, whose name means Man of God, was tasked with announcing the conception of John the Baptist and of Jesus  himself (Lk 1: 11-22, 26-28). And on Michael, whose name means, who is like God, fell the lot to battle Lucifer, the devil, a fallen angel (Rev. 12:7-9).

Angels are completely spiritual creatures with an intellect and a will. They are both personal and immortal, and they surpass all visible creatures in perfection. Like us, they too were made through Christ and for Christ, to accomplish his purpose in the spiritual realm. Scripture tells us that they are ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation (Heb. 1: 14). They are attributed with protecting Lot, saving Hagar and her child, visiting the prophets, staying Abraham’s hand, rolling back the stone covering Jesus’ tomb, announcing the Resurrection, and helping to lead the apostles and the early Church (See The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 328 336).

Our lives here on earth are not limited to or by the material realities we can see, touch and taste. There’s a whole other realm that has impact on us too. The wonder is that in our very own make-up, the two spheres of God’s creation the physical and the spiritual come together. While angels are spiritual and not physical, we are both. And this is why we human beings are considered the crown of creation, If’s also why the angel’s mission is to serve and protect us.

Because we are united with Jesus through baptism, we can begin to experience here and now the blessing of our new citizenship. Jesus’

Church the Church victorious is already in heaven, where saints stand with Jesus before the throne of God interceding for us. At the same time, we, the Church militant, are engaged in the Spiritual warfare that rages around us. How important it is, then, that we keep our attention fixed on the things that are above, where our true citizenship lies (Col. 3: 1)!

Through faith in Christ and baptism into his name, the heavens can be opened to us everyday. We can experience the heavenly life by way of a transformation of our lives on earth. Are you weighed down by guilt? Your sins are forgiven in Christ. Have you been hurt by someone who has wronged you? Those wounds can be healed. Do you feel dry and dull in prayer? The Holy Spirit can revitalize your discouragement with the joyful hope of seeing God face and face.

Yes, as a new creation in Christ, we can sit with him in the heavenly places (Eph. 2: 6). As believers in God and the saving message of his Son. our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we can expect that our faith will one day lead us to that heavenly Kingdom. Until that time, we are assured that we are guided by the Holy Spirit and protected by the angels of God here on earth.

Let Us Pray:
Thank you, Father, for the many ways Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael have served you and protected us. Open our eyes more fully to the spiritual battle raging around us. Give us greater confidence in Your power to overcome all evil. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The Church Teaches:
The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. the witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition. CCC 328

For Further Studies CCC 336
HELP TO REFLECTION:

• What is the meaning and the ministry of the three Archangels whose feast the Church celebrates today?
• What are Angels? What does the Scripture teach us about them?
• Are our lives here on earth limited to only material realities?
• What are your evidence for your answer?
• How can the heavens be opened to us everyday?