Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 7:24-30 Humility

Mass: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-13 or Rev 12:7-12a; Resp Ps 138; Lk 1:47-51 

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS,

MARY, PROTECTRESS OF THOSE WHO FIGHT,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.

The dragon and its angels fought back, 

but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

(Rev 12:7-8)

Welcome to a day we have been waiting and preparing for, the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael! May Jesus say to of each one of us what He said of Nathanael: There is no duplicity in him (Jn 1:47). Led by the glorious Archangels, we respond to Saint Benedict's call in the Prologue of the Holy Rule: "This message of mine is for you, then, if you are ready to give up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for the true King, Christ the Lord" (RB Prologue 3). We remember too what Saint Benedict writes in the chapter on humility, that is, "If every day the angels assigned to us report our deeds to the Lord day and night, then we must be vigilant every hour" (RB 7:29). Yes, angels deliver messages to the Lord, we learn from Pope Saint Gregory the Great in one of his homilies on the Gospels. Angels "who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels" (in Office of Readings, September 29). The Archangel Raphael presented and read Tobit and Sarah's prayer before the Glory of the Lord, and he did the same thing when they buried the dead (Tobit 12:12). So why not turn your prayers over to the angels today and let them go to work!

No need to fear; you are safe. Thank God now and forever. As for me, when I came to you it was not out of any favor on my part, but because it was God's will. 

So continue to thank Him every day; praise Him with song.

(Tobit 12:17-18)

He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve Him. 

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away,

His kingship shall not be destroyed.

(Daniel 7:14)

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him,

we humbly pray; and do thou O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits 

who prowl around the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

SAINT MICHAEL Who is like God?, PRINCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, DEFENDER OF THE CHURCH, PATRON OF SOLDIERS;

SAINT GABRIEL, The strength of God, THE HERALD OF THE INCARNATION;

SAINT RAPHAEL God heals, DEFENDER OF ADOLESCENT CHASTITY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Michael the Archangel, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Great is the glory of the Lord.

© Gertrude Feick 2022