Homily for the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels

In today's Gospel, Jesus explains the two-fold action of angels: "ascending and descending on the Son of Man." They "ascend" to serve God and "descend" to serve us on God’s behalf. This activity was referred to in today's Collect Prayer as we asked God to "graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us [descending] as they minister perpetually to you in heaven [ascending]." As we contemplate their purpose and activity, we should also allow them to help us learn how to ascend and descend in praising God and serving others.

The Archangels' foremost activity is ascending to praise God. Their second activity is descending to us to bestow on us God's help. The Archangel Gabriel brought our Blessed Mother and Zechariah the Word of God, Raphael brought Tobias God's healing and guidance, and Michael defends and protects us.

Let us pray to God, asking for the help of the archangels:

Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us

during our pilgrimage on earth.

Saint Michael is our protector;

[We] ask him to come to [our] aid,

fight for all [our] loved ones,

and protect us from danger.

Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News;

[we] ask him to help [us] clearly hear Your voice

and to teach [us] the truth.

Saint Raphael is the healing angel;

[we] ask him to take [our] need for healing

and that of everyone [we] know,

lift it up to Your throne of grace and

deliver us back to the gift of recovery.

Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully

the reality of archangels and their desire to serve us.

Holy angels, pray for us.

Amen.[1]

 

[1] From the website for the Diocese of St. Peterburg