SHP Dangriga

Archangels
Thursday, September 29, 2022

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Readings for Today

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51

Yes, angels are for real. And they are mighty, glorious, beautiful and magnificent in every way. Today we honor three of the multitude of angels in Heaven: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

These angels are “archangels.” An archangel is the second order of angels just above the guardian angels. In all, there are nine orders of celestial beings that we commonly refer to as angels and all nine of these orders are traditionally organized into three spheres. The entire hierarchy is traditionally organized this way:

Highest Sphere: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Middle Sphere: Dominions, Virtues and Powers.
Lower Sphere: Principalities, Archangels and Angels (Guardian Angels).

The hierarchy of these celestial beings is ordered in accord with their function and purpose. The highest of the beings, the Seraphim, were created solely for the purpose of surrounding the Throne of God in perpetual worship and adoration. The lowest of the beings, the Guardian Angels, were created for the purpose of caring for humans and communicating God’s messages. The Archangels, whom we honor today, were created for the purpose of bringing messages of great importance to us and to accomplish tasks of the highest importance in our lives.

Michael is well known as the archangel who was empowered by God to cast Lucifer out of Heaven. Lucifer is traditionally thought to be of the highest sphere of celestial beings and, thus, being cast out by a lowly archangel was quite a humiliation.

Gabriel is well known for being the archangel who brought the message of the Incarnation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

And Raphael, whose name means “God heals” is referred to in the Old Testament Book of Tobit and is said to have been sent to bring healing to Tobit’s eyes.

Though not much is known of these archangels, it’s important to believe in them, honor them and to pray to them. We pray to them because we believe God has entrusted them with a mission to help us bring healing, fight evil and proclaim the Word of God. Their power comes from God, but God has chosen to use the archangels, and all celestial beings, to accomplish His plan and purpose.

Reflect, today, upon your knowledge of the angels. Do you believe in them? Do you honor them? Do you rely upon their powerful intercession and mediation in your life? God wants to use them, so you should truly seek their help in your life.

Lord, thank You for the gift of the Archangels whom we honor today. Thank You for their powerful work in our lives. Help us to rely upon them and to love them for their service. Archangels, pray for us, heal us, teach us and protect us. Jesus, I trust in You.

Hesitation
September 28, 2022
Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Today

Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr—Optional Memorial

Saints Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs—Optional Memorial

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62

Jesus’ call is absolute. When He calls us we ought to respond with complete submission of our will and with an abundance of generosity.

In the Scripture above, God willed that this person immediately and completely follow Jesus. But the person hesitates saying he wants to go and first say goodbye to his family. That sounds like a reasonable request. But Jesus makes it clear that he is called to follow Him immediately and without hesitation.

It’s certainly not that there is anything wrong with wanting to say goodbye to his family. The family would most likely expect such a thing. But Jesus uses this opportunity to show us that our number one priority must be to answer His call, when He calls, how He calls, and because He calls. In the wonderful and even mysterious call to follow Christ, we must be ready to respond without hesitation.

Imagine if one of the persons in this story were different. Imagine if one of them came to Jesus and said, “Lord, I will follow You and am ready and willing to follow You right now without qualification.” That’s the ideal. And, yes, the idea is quite radical.

In our own lives, we most likely will not receive the radical call to literally leave everything behind immediately and go serve Christ in some new form of life. But the key is our willingness! Are you willing?

If you are willing, you will start to discover that Jesus is daily calling you to fulfill His mission. And if you are willing, you will daily see that His mission is glorious and fruitful beyond measure. It simply comes down to you saying “Yes” without hesitation and without delay.

Reflect, today, upon your willingness to follow Jesus. Put yourself into this Scripture and reflect upon how you would respond to Jesus. Most likely you will see hesitation. And if you see hesitation in your heart, try to surrender that over so that you will be ready for all our Lord has in mind for you.

Lord, I do love You and I do want to follow You. Help me to overcome any and every hesitation in my life in saying “Yes” to Your holy will. Help me to discern Your voice and embrace all You say every day. Jesus, I trust in You.