Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - watch over us
The Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael : Tuesday 29th September 2020
Dan. 7:9-10,13-14 or Rev. 12:7-12;
Ps. 137:1-3,4-5; Jn. 1:47-51 (Ps Wk II)
The role of the angels within God’s creation can be seen in the names which the Bible gives them. Many names in the Bible are what we technically designate as “theophoric”, that is to say, “God bearing”: part of the name in Hebrew signifies “God”.
Interestingly, the names of the three Archangels whom we commemorate today: Michael means “Who is like God?” — the war cry of the Archangel who fought against Satan (Apoc. 12:7-10) because Satan wished to make himself “like God” and tempted Eve with the same notion (Gen 3:5). We are, of course “like God”, not because of what we wish to make of ourselves, but because God created us in the divine image and likeness. (Gen 1:26-28).
Gabriel means “God is my strong one” In Gabriel’s message to Mary we are enlightened to understand that God’s strength is the Holy Spirit of love, who Paul assures us is poured out into our hearts (Rom5:5).
Therefore “Nothing is impossible with God” (Lk 1:27). Raphael means “God heals”, and Raphael appears in the Old Testament as a healing angel. Healing was an important part of the ministry of Jesus in establishing the Kingdom of God.
Lord God, in the strength of your love heal us of all our afflictions, spiritual and physical, personal and social.
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