And the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

29 SEPTEMBER (Jn 1,47-51)

Today the Church celebrates the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Michael is the defender of God, the guardian of his truth, which is its uniqueness. There are no other gods. No one else is God but Him. All other persons, angelic and human, are his creatures. Everything that exists is his creature. If it is a creature, it cannot be God.

Then 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. But woe to you, earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in great fury, for he knows he has but a short time” (Rev 12,7-12).

Gabriel is the one who goes and explains the divine messages. Even the prophets need to know the meaning of their visions. Gabriel comes and interprets.

While I, Daniel, sought the meaning of the vision I had seen, a manlike figure stood before me, and on the Ulai I heard a human voice that cried out, “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.” When he came near where I was standing, I fell prostrate in terror. But he said to me, “Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the end time.” As he spoke to me, I fell forward in a faint; he touched me and made me stand up. “I will show you,” he said, “what is to happen later in the period of wrath; for at the appointed time, there will be an end” (Cf. Dn 8,15-26).

Other times, as in the temple of Jerusalem with Zechariah and in the house of Nazareth with Mary, it comes, proclaims and interprets, gives its full meaning. It is its mission.

Raphael there is a whole book in Scripture. It is the Book of Tobit . Raphael is the Angel that comes, accompanies, directs, manages, protects and heals. It is true medicine of God for the soul, spirit and body. With it the journey of life is brought to a successful conclusion.

“Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Before all men, honour and proclaim God’s deeds, and do not be slack in praising him. A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known. Praise them with due honour. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you. “I will now tell you the whole truth; I will conceal nothing at all from you. I have already said to you, ‘A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be made known with due honour.’ I can now tell you that when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord; and I did the same thing when you used to bury the dead. When you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner in order to go and bury the dead, I was sent to put you to the test. At the same time, however, God commissioned me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tb 12,6-15).

Jesus is the only Mediator between God and every man. Even Jesus uses the Angels. Jesus is also served by the Angels. Through Him they bring to God the things of men. Through him they bring to men the things of God. They are the servants of the Lord Christ.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. 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 the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption and Saints give us a great love for the Angels.