Angels as ministers of unity

A Reflection for the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Find today’s readings here.

When it comes to contemplating any of the feast days traditionally dedicated to the angels, such as today, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael or the Feast of the Guardian Angels later this week on Oct. 2, I am always a little stumped on their purpose. I am by no means an angelologist, a person who studies the angels (yes, this is a real thing!), and the images we see often in church architecture do not help either. Sometimes we see beautiful baby cherubs, other times frightening figures with swords and fire or even at other times, just wings and a face. 

So who exactly are these beings? Besides the occasional prayer to my guardian angel, following the guidance (command?) of my Italian-Catholic Nana, the angels, archangels or otherwise, do not play a huge role in my life of faith or my thoughts. Maybe this is similar to your experience with the angels. 

Our readings today, however, seem to challenge this. 

It’s interesting to note that none of the Archangels we commemorate today are explicitly named, with St. Michael in the reading from Revelation being the only exception. Instead, we hear about what angels do. In the reading from the Prophet Daniel, the angels are numbered among those who minister to the throne of God; the Psalm describes the angels praising God in the heavenly sanctuary; John’s Gospel records that, when the heavens are opened, we will see “the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

The angels, as shared in our Scriptures assigned today, seem to serve as models for us of what life in the kingdom of heaven is like. The Prophet Daniel says that, among the angels, “nations and people of every language” serve God. In a world, in a nation and even in a church that seems to be experiencing such strong division, the angels proclaim a call of unity among God’s people. With leaders and intercessors like Michael, Gabriel and Raphael before us, we are called to be one in our praise and service of God “on earth as it is in heaven,” as we say in the Our Father. 

As we continue our day today, following God’s call in our lives, let us constantly hold all the angels, but especially Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, as models of being ministers of unity in God’s kingdom. In our lives, maybe that means going out of your way to interact with that “annoying neighbor upstairs,” inviting a friend with whom you might disagree for coffee, serving the poor and marginalized in your community or even bringing a friend to Mass who has not been in a while. 

In doing so, we join the angels as “ministers of unity” in our daily life on earth, moving towards that day where we will be one with them in praise, service and heart in God’s kingdom. Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, pray for us.

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