Feast of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels...

My father was good enough to remind me that today is not just the feast of St. Michael, but of all the Archangels. Duly noted. When I was a young boy I thought the name "Michael" meant "Who is like God!" with an exclamation point. It wasn't until later that I discovered it's actually accompanied with a question mark. It's a rhetorical question appropriately posed to Lucifer who revolted against God, to Adam and Eve who ate of the fruit so as to become like gods, and to each one of us who from time to time choose our will over the will of God.

St. Gabriel, "Strength of God" was the one to announce to Zechariah and Elizabeth of the upcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary the words, "you will bear a son and name him Jesus". So appropriate that he is the one to speak powerful words, potent and fertile, all of which were precursors to the Word of God, Jesus Christ.

St. Raphael, "Healing of God" ministered to Tobias and we read in Matthew 4 and Mark 1 that after Jesus successfully withstood the temptations of the Evil One, he was ministered to by angels.

So, much to be grateful for, continued strength, protection and solace from these celestial beings.