God the Father has given us his Son on the cross as the supreme example of sacrificial love; yet it is not enough for God. Hence, “He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways" (Ps 91:11).
The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are the only angels named in Sacred Scripture and all three have important roles in the history of salvation. Sent from the hands of God, these powerful messengers bring promises of love and of hope.
Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God's strength," is mentioned four times in the Bible. Most significant are Gabriel's two mentions in the New Testament: to announce the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zacharias, and at the Incarnation of the Word in the womb of Mary.
Christian tradition suggests that it is he who appeared to St. Joseph and to the shepherds, and also that it was he who "strengthened" Jesus during his agony in the garden of Gethsemane.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, she was "greatly troubled" by his greeting. The angel Gabriel said, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God" (Luke: 1:30).
Gabriel's words are for each and every one of us; they should resonate in the depths of our hearts: "Do not be afraid!" Given the numerous present dangers, the division and strife and the blatant perpetration of intrinsic moral evils which surround us, we can be tempted to fall into despair. Yet there is no need to fear!
Pope St. Gregory the Great wrote: "Gabriel came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus ‘God's strength’ announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle".
Saint Michael is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host," the leader of all the angels. The name Michael means "Who is like God." He was the battle cry of the good angels against Lucifer and his followers when they rebelled against God. He is mentioned four times in the Bible, in Daniel 10 and 12, in the letter of Jude, and in Revelation.
Michael, whose forces cast down Lucifer and the evil spirits into Hell, is invoked for protection against Satan and all evil. Pope Leo XIII, in 1899, having had a prophetic vision of the evil that would be inflicted upon the Church and the world in the 20th century, instituted a prayer asking for Saint Michael's protection to be said at the end of every Mass.
Christian tradition recognizes four offices of Saint Michael: (i) to fight against Satan (ii) to rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death. (iii) to be the champion of God's people, (iv) to call away from earth and bring men's souls to judgment.
As Saint John Paul II said during a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael, "The battle against the devil . . . is the principal task of Saint Michael the archangel."
Raphael means "God is my health." He is one of seven angels "who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tob ,12:15). The meaning of Raphael's name reflects the fact that he touched Tobit's eyes and brought sight from blindness.
Raphael is also identified with the angel in John 5:1-4 who descended upon the pond and bestowed healing powers upon it so that the first to enter it after it moved would be healed of whatever infirmity he was suffering.
Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that; “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls 'angels' is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition”. (CCC, 328).
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Dadas
2. Saint Fraternus
3. Saint Garcia
4. Saint Ludwin
5. Saint Theodota