Dear Friends,
With this being the last Sunday in September, I was looking at the feasts of the coming week. It’s quite a line up ~ Saint Vincent DePaul, the Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael), Saint Jerome, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, and the Guardian Angels.
The following is a short reflection about the angels. Angels do not have corporeal bodies as we do. They are pure, created spirits, heavenly beings. The angels have intellect and will and are immortal. The name itself implies that they are messengers or servants of God. Each angel is distinct from the other. There are nine choirs (or ranks) of angels listed in Scripture ~ Angels, Archangels, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Dominations (or Dominions), Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim.
While angels are mentioned many times in the Scriptures, only three are named ~ the Archangels ~ Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. Saint Michael, his name means “who is like God?,” is mentioned in the book of Daniel, the Letter of Saint Jude, and the Book of Revelation. He is the Prince of the Heavenly Host, the one who battles against Satan, who protects God’s people, even today.
Saint Gabriel, his name means “God is my warrior, God is strong,” appears to the prophet Daniel, to Zechariah (father of Saint John the Baptist), and the Virgin Mary. Saint Raphael, his name means “God will heal,” we find helping Tobias, both father and son, in the Book of Tobit.
How truly blessed we are to be surrounded by God’s heavenly messengers whose goal is to assist us on our journey to heaven. The feast of the Guardian Angels is a reminder to us that God appoints to each of us a specific Guardian Angel to protect and lead us all through our lives on earth. We should pray to them for their assistance. Remember the prayer we learned as children, it is one we should pray even now ~ Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and to guard, To rule and to guide. Amen.
Perhaps in these continuing uncertain times, it is certainly opportune for us to reflect on the multitude of Saints who have gone before us and who are cheering us on. Just as opportune is to consider the multitude of Angels who are protecting and guiding us as well. Have no fear. God is on our side, offering grace upon grace to each of us! He just loves us that much!
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
