DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Celebration:  Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael ('Who is like God?') was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity and reminds us of the real existence of the devil and of diabolical activity. To protect us from the snares of the devil, it is good to have recourse to St. Michael. Gabriel ('Strength of God') announced to Zachariah the coming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, 'Hail, full of grace' is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. Raphael ('Medicine of God') is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey. Every person on his pilgrimage through this life also has a guardian angel with a mission similar to that of Raphael.

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14 or Revelation 12:7–12

Gospel: John 1:47–51

Theme: His angels are always around us. 

And the Lord Whispers:

“You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)

Reflection

Beloved friends in Christ, today we celebrate the solemn feast of the three archangels- Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. An event which lifts our eyes to the invisible yet ever-present reality of heaven. The archangels stand as living reminders that God never abandons His people.

In Angelology - the study if the angels, these three archangels are noted for different roles and ministries. 

- Michael is known for defending God’s people against the powers of darkness.

- Gabriel announces God’s saving plan and fills hearts with hope.

- Raphael brings healing, guiding the broken toward restoration.

The names of these three Archangels are evident in Sacred Scripture and have significant roles in the history of salvation. Michael is the “Prince of the Heavenly Host” and the leader of all the angels. He is mentioned four times in the Bible, including Daniel 10 and 12, the letter of Jude, and Revelation. Saint Michael is invoked for protection against Satan and evil spirits. Christian tradition recognizes four offices of Saint Michael: fighting against Satan, rescuing the souls of the faithful, being the champion of God’s people, and bringing men’s souls to judgment. Saint Gabriel, meaning “God’s strength”, is mentioned four times in the Bible and is believed to have appeared to the Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph and the shepherds. Saint Raphael is a travelling companion, who can help us not to be tempted to take the wrong step in our lives. The last verse of the Gospel mentions the presence of the angels in our lives. The angels are the carriers of grace between God and humanity. Let us seek their assistance in our day-to-day life.Also, the author of the letter to the Hebrews has this to say: 

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

However, in today's table of the Word Jesus reveals that the angels’ mission is fulfilled in Him as the Son of Man who unites heaven and earth (cf. John 1:47–51) In Christ, the barriers between God and humanity are torn open, and His messengers now lead us closer to the glory of His Kingdom. The same kingdom which Prophet Daniel saw in the vision (cf. Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14). As Christ faithful, are to make every effort to live out the Gospel values to be counted among the thousands in the kingdom.

Dearest friends,  the presence and duties of the angels in our spiritual journey cannot be overemphasized, that is why St. Gregory the Great beautifully summarisd: “Michael is sent when a mighty deed is required; Gabriel, when wondrous news is proclaimed; Raphael, when healing is needed.”

Finally, as we celebrate these great heavenly beings let us invoke St. Michael for courage and protection in spiritual warfare. Ask St. Gabriel to make you a bearer of God’s truth and encouragement; and trust St. Raphael with your wounds, physical, emotional, or spiritual. As He gently whispers: "You are never alone, heaven fights, speaks, and heals with you".

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 29092025