FRIDAY OF THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY OF THE YEAR (A)
MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful
CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, (Archangels)
St. Michael is considered as the leader of the forces of Heaven and one of the chief princes. He is revered as above all angels by Greek Fathers and many others as Prince of Seraphim. He has been venerated as patron of the Church from the time of the first Apostles. There are records of his appearances in many places including the Cave of Saint Michael in Italy, the grotto of Saint Michael in Mexico and Mont of Saint Michael in France. His name itself means (in Hebrew) as one who is like God. In the book of Revelation Saint Michael was leading the army of God against the Satan’s forces. He is also interpreted as humility before God. Saint Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers and police. He is also prayed by many people to get cure from sickness especially mental diseases.
St. Gabriel is considered as the messenger of God. His name Gabriel means Man of God. He was the angel who appeared before Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. When Zachariah expressed doubts about this prophesy due to his and his wife’s old age, St. Gabriel declared that He is Gabriel, standing before God. St. Gabriel also made Zachariah mute, since Zachariah has not believed the prophesy of the birth of john. Six months later St. Gabriel appeared before the Holy Mary and announced Her about the birth of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Holy Mary immediately accepted the will of God with humility (see Luke 1:11-38).St. Gabriel also appeared to Daniel for giving explanation to Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:15-26, 9:21-27).In Islam also Gabriel is called by the name “Jibrail” and is believed as the one who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed.
St. Raphael is one of the seven Arch Angels who stand before God. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. St. Raphael helped Tobiah through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter into marriage with Sarah. His name Raphael means God heals. A biblical story says that when the Earth was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels, St. Raphael healed the earth. St. Raphael is also referred to as the angel who stirred the waters of the healing sheep pool. St. Raphael is revered as the patron of the blind, the nurses and physicians. He is also the patron of match makers and travelers.
TABLE OF THE WORD:Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; John 1:47-51
THEME: The Divine Revelation
THE WORD
"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:51)
INSPIRATION
Dearest in the Lord, today we join the Mother Church to celebrate the Feast of the three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. A celebration which reminded us of the unfathomable love of God upon humanity, for out of love that He gave us these Heavenly Beings to guide us and serve our needs alongside our Guardian angels.
From the Table of the Word today, the gospel pericope according to Evangelist John, Jesus in the course of His encounter with Nathanael openly launched him into a new dimension of spirituality when aHe said:
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:51).
This proclamation was a revelation given to Nathanael as a favour from God, and a lesson for us.
We too need to be launched into this realm of spirituality. In our prayers we need to ask God to open our eyes that we may see the glory of God just as He promised Nathanael today.
Most often we allow the difficulties we face in life to becloud the favours we have and yet to receive.
As we celebrate these Heavenly Beings today, may the good Lord open our eyes to see the glory of the Lord amidst our troubles and difficult circumstances. While praying for the service of the angels in our lives.
Finally, the Holy angels are sent forth to do service for the saints, the elect of God, those going on to perfection and inheriting eternal life. They are here to save us from accidents or premature death and to help us attain eternal life.
Peace be with you!
PRAYER
O God, who dispose in marvellous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life of earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
+ May the Lord in His infinite mercy bless and keep us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
(c) The ARCHIVE 29092023.
No comments:
Post a Comment