Reflection for THURSDAY, The Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

By

    Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Director, Social Action Movement, Don Bosco Bidar 

Today's Word of God 


 John 1:47-51   

 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 

 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. 

 Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 

 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 

 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”  He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” 

Today's Reflection 

The first verse of the Nicene Creed states that God is the maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

So the things that are invisible are not just what the eye cannot see.

The things that are invisible leads us to the awareness of the spiritual world.

Today as the Church honours the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we are led to a deeper awareness and reflection of the reality of the spiritual world.

The Bible mentions about angels, and the Bible reveals the names of three archangels who are called Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

They are called archangels because they carried out a specific mission in God’s plan of salvation.

St. Michael was given the task to drive out of heaven the devil and the angels who rebelled against God.

And he and the army of angels are given the task to protect those who are faithful to God.

St. Gabriel was sent to announce the Good News of salvation to Mary, and he guides those who preach the Good News on earth.

St. Raphael led Tobit to find the cure for the blindness of his father Tobias.

The three-fold mission of the Archangels is also a reflection of our mission as Christians.

We call upon God’s protection for those who are in danger. We are messengers of the Good News of salvation for those who want to be saved. And we pray for healing for those who are sick.

As we honour the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, may we also continue their mission on earth so that we can help others to be aware that even though they are not able to see God, yet they can believe in Him and to turn to Him for protection, for healing and for salvation.


GOD BLESS YOU

Good morning. Have a nice day. 

HAPPY FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS