Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
Additional information about Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Readings for the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael[i][ii]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[iii]
Reading 1
First Option: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched:
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw
One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
This reading from Daniel (of the genre of eschatological prophetic visions) describes the throne of God who sits in judgment. Approaching this throne comes “One like a son of man”, to us a clear reference to Jesus who took that title upon himself in fulfillment of scripture (in addition to John 1:51 [below], see also Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69 and Matthew 26:64 all of which reference the attendance of heavenly powers).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR
Second Option: Revelations 12:7-12ab
War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rev 12:7-12ab
This selection from the Book of Revelations is of that same eschatological prophetic genre as the first option from Daniel. Here St. John envisions the battle for heaven, joined by the forces of God lead by St. Michael who is victorious.
The vision makes clear that those who were thought to be from God but who opposed the “anointed one”, Christ, were influenced by Satan and in the Devil’s defeat, by the blood of the Lamb, God’s victory is assured and the truth will prevail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
This song of praise gives thanksgiving for the visible support of God here attributed to angelic action. The hymn attributes this saving help to an all merciful God to whom all glory and honor are due.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:47-51
Word of mouth attracts first Philip to discipleship and he in turn invites Nathanael. The symbolism in this passage is noteworthy. First when Jesus describes Nathanael as “A true Israelite”. There is no duplicity in him: Jacob was the first to bear the name "Israel" (Genesis 32:29), but Jacob was a man of duplicity (Genesis 27:35-36).”
Jesus tells Nathanael “"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." The fig tree is a symbol of messianic peace (cf Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10). So in essence, Jesus is saying that Nathanael was resting in Messianic Peace inferring from that that he had faithfully followed the Law and had a genuine love of God. Jesus goes further than Nathanael’s faith in the final verse telling him that he, Jesus is the Anointed One. “…you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Throughout the history of the human race’s interaction with God, the authors of sacred scripture have envisioned the Father’s messengers communicating his will and intentions to various peoples at different times. Famously, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote extensively about the role these messengers may have in our lives in his great work the Suma Theologica.
Our understanding of the interaction we have with God today presupposes active guidance by God and to do that the Lord has opened various channels to us; God the Father, Christ who came to demonstrate God’s love, and the Holy Spirit sent to be our guide. He shows us through the Word of God in sacred scripture various proofs of his existence and his will for those who would follow him. Especially in the Old Testament we see the active involvement of the Archangels whose feast we celebrate today. They are sent by God when some momentous action calls for God’s active intervention in the lives of his favorite creation. We read of these visits as God attempts to limit the influence of evil and guide the leadership of the people he fist chose. (see especially Tobit and the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah)
In the New Testament, we see him communicating his will directly to the Blessed Mother and her earthly spouse; informing them of the advent of the infant Messiah and providing instructions for his safekeeping in those early vulnerable years. It was St. Gabriel, the herald who told Mother Mary of her exalted status and him who accepted her pledge of obedience.
Our faith is bolstered by the knowledge that these four, chief among God’s messengers and agents of his will are standing guard lest the one whom St. Michael first fell, Satan, attempts once more some attack on God’s will. We ask, in faith, this day for their continued support and that our own acceptance might allow us to be aware of the messages they bring. They stand with all the Saints in God’s heavenly kingdom ready to communicate his will to those who will hear.
Pax
[i] ALTRE
[ii] The picture is “The Three Archangels” by Marco d’ Oggiomo, c. 1490
[iii] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Additional information about Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Readings for the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael[i][ii]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[iii]
Reading 1
First Option: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched:
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw
One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
This reading from Daniel (of the genre of eschatological prophetic visions) describes the throne of God who sits in judgment. Approaching this throne comes “One like a son of man”, to us a clear reference to Jesus who took that title upon himself in fulfillment of scripture (in addition to John 1:51 [below], see also Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69 and Matthew 26:64 all of which reference the attendance of heavenly powers).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR
Second Option: Revelations 12:7-12ab
War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rev 12:7-12ab
This selection from the Book of Revelations is of that same eschatological prophetic genre as the first option from Daniel. Here St. John envisions the battle for heaven, joined by the forces of God lead by St. Michael who is victorious.
The vision makes clear that those who were thought to be from God but who opposed the “anointed one”, Christ, were influenced by Satan and in the Devil’s defeat, by the blood of the Lamb, God’s victory is assured and the truth will prevail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
This song of praise gives thanksgiving for the visible support of God here attributed to angelic action. The hymn attributes this saving help to an all merciful God to whom all glory and honor are due.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:47-51
Word of mouth attracts first Philip to discipleship and he in turn invites Nathanael. The symbolism in this passage is noteworthy. First when Jesus describes Nathanael as “A true Israelite”. There is no duplicity in him: Jacob was the first to bear the name "Israel" (Genesis 32:29), but Jacob was a man of duplicity (Genesis 27:35-36).”
Jesus tells Nathanael “"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." The fig tree is a symbol of messianic peace (cf Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10). So in essence, Jesus is saying that Nathanael was resting in Messianic Peace inferring from that that he had faithfully followed the Law and had a genuine love of God. Jesus goes further than Nathanael’s faith in the final verse telling him that he, Jesus is the Anointed One. “…you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Throughout the history of the human race’s interaction with God, the authors of sacred scripture have envisioned the Father’s messengers communicating his will and intentions to various peoples at different times. Famously, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote extensively about the role these messengers may have in our lives in his great work the Suma Theologica.
Our understanding of the interaction we have with God today presupposes active guidance by God and to do that the Lord has opened various channels to us; God the Father, Christ who came to demonstrate God’s love, and the Holy Spirit sent to be our guide. He shows us through the Word of God in sacred scripture various proofs of his existence and his will for those who would follow him. Especially in the Old Testament we see the active involvement of the Archangels whose feast we celebrate today. They are sent by God when some momentous action calls for God’s active intervention in the lives of his favorite creation. We read of these visits as God attempts to limit the influence of evil and guide the leadership of the people he fist chose. (see especially Tobit and the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah)
In the New Testament, we see him communicating his will directly to the Blessed Mother and her earthly spouse; informing them of the advent of the infant Messiah and providing instructions for his safekeeping in those early vulnerable years. It was St. Gabriel, the herald who told Mother Mary of her exalted status and him who accepted her pledge of obedience.
Our faith is bolstered by the knowledge that these four, chief among God’s messengers and agents of his will are standing guard lest the one whom St. Michael first fell, Satan, attempts once more some attack on God’s will. We ask, in faith, this day for their continued support and that our own acceptance might allow us to be aware of the messages they bring. They stand with all the Saints in God’s heavenly kingdom ready to communicate his will to those who will hear.
Pax
[i] ALTRE
[ii] The picture is “The Three Archangels” by Marco d’ Oggiomo, c. 1490
[iii] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
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