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Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
John 1:47–51
The world can sometimes feel as if it is falling apart.
A pandemic closed countries and took many lives.
Wars continue.
Innocent people suffer.
Natural disasters come.
Tension grows.
Many people feel anxious, tired, and afraid.
Sometimes it feels as if darkness is gaining ground.
But today’s Gospel quietly reminds us:
we are not alone.
Jesus says to Nathanael:
You will see heaven opened,
and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
These words recall the dream of Jacob.
Jacob saw a ladder standing between earth and heaven.
Angels were going up and coming down.
It was a sign that heaven and earth were not separated.
God was near.
Now Jesus says that He is the true ladder.
In Him, heaven touches earth.
In Him, God comes close to us.
And where Christ is, the angels are also near.
Today the Church celebrates three archangels:
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
Saint Michael is the warrior.
His name means:
Who is like God?
He reminds us that evil is real,
but evil does not win.
When the world feels dark, we need Michael’s courage.
We need to remember that the battle belongs to God.
Saint Gabriel is the messenger.
He brought God’s word to Zechariah.
He brought God’s word to Mary.
He announced what seemed impossible.
A barren woman would bear a son.
A virgin would become the Mother of the Savior.
Gabriel reminds us that God still speaks.
Even in confusion.
Even in fear.
Even when the future is unclear.
His message is simple:
Do not be afraid.
God is with you.
Saint Raphael is the healer and companion.
In the Book of Tobit, he walks with Tobias on a difficult journey.
He brings healing.
He brings protection.
He helps put a broken story back together.
Raphael reminds us that God works quietly.
Even when we do not see the whole picture,
God is already guiding,
healing,
and saving.
These archangels are not children’s decorations.
They are signs of God’s care.
God sends help.
God sends protection.
God sends a word of hope.
So whatever you are facing,
a battle,
a fear,
a sickness,
a wound,
a difficult journey,
remember this:
you are not alone.
The heavens are open.
Christ is the ladder.
The angels of God are still on the move.
So stand firm.
Pray boldly.
Do good.
Live with hope.
Even in the darkest hour,
God is closer than you think.
Biblical Reflections on the Gospel of Matthew
Scripture Attribution
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition,
copyright © 1989, 1993
the Division of Christian Education of the National Council
of the Churches of
Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Content License
© 2025 Krakus.
Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
(Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial).