Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Do we really need angels? Are we not mature Christians now so that we can put aside childish notions of God’s fairies? Isn’t Christ powerful enough?
If we look at our Scriptural texts for today’s feast we see just how badly we need angels. Why? Because there is a war out there! The devil and his fallen angels do not primarily tromp around in hell, but Satan “was thrown down to earth.” We have our weapons bestowed us in Christ at our baptism: the blood of the Lamb of God and the gospel. Still, I do not know anyone who conquers for long in single-handed combat against many foes lurking in every dark trench. We need reinforcements and we need those who fight where we cannot see. We need angels to protect and fight alongside us.
The monks of Conception Abbey have the great Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael and All Angels as their second principal patron saints. This is fitting because monks live “the angelic life” according to tradition – that is, we anticipate life in heaven in which we do not marry and are totally devoted to praise of God (cf. Matthew 22:23-30). Nevertheless, monks are also engaged in deliberate spiritual combat like St. Michael. In fact, what we translate as St. Benedict’s phrase of “the School of the Lord’s service” can be associated not only with a classroom but also with a unit of soldiers (Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 45). Just as angels can come to our aid in a split second because they are spiritual beings, so can the prayers of the monks come to your aid.
Do we really need angels? Can you really afford not to call upon these heavenly helpers? After all, we are at war and we need all the help we can get.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections