Greetings on this the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Readings: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; PS 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5; Jn 1:47-51
Notes: These past three days we have been reading from the didactic sacred scripture Book of Job. In these readings we are challenged by what we see and hear – the difficulties of humanity – and what we hope for – the benevolence of God.
We confronted:
- our knowledge and our ignorance.
- our self-expectations and our actions.
- the tension between free-will and consequences.
- the tension between our understanding of Intended Will and Permissive Will of God.
- numerous natural evils and spiritual evils.
- copious examples of the benevolence of God.
In the gospel portion, parallel, we are given a pathway forward:
- from power politics to loving like and for children.
- from public opinion to resolute mission of love and sacrifice.
- from curiosity of the ways of God to living with commit to His Way.
- from vision and myth to knowing and seeing God in action.
- from power to love – it cannot be stated enough – to reframe our point of reference.
We but need to watch and consider deeply what we see, hear and know to be true.
Hurricane Ian made landfall at Cayo Costa, Florida as a Category 4 storm. It is not yet sunrise today so the visual evidence of the destruction is not yet fully seen.
Just as often we can explain with science what happens, we have many occasions where the hand of the divine is guiding events to a better outcome even in the midst of disaster.
We walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we can see the effects of the angelic powers working the Lord’s will in this world. The gates of hell shall not prevail. Divine love is in your life, in my life and the life of the human family.
Watch as the angelic powers work God’s will. Pray for their intercession in the will of God.
Prayer to St. Michael
Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle: be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do you, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
Archangels (there may be seven of them, we know the names of three).
So many other heavenly creatures and angels:
a. Cherubim
b. Seraphim
c. Hosts of the Lord
Reflection
Each of the archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God’s protection, communication, and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-michael-gabriel-and-raphael
First reading
As I watched.
Responsorial Psalm
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Alleluia Verse
Bless the LORD, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.
Gospel Portion
To Nathanael he said,
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
To you he says:
Watch, see and know I have overcome death and all evil things for you.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 