Feast of Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and the Archangels

The devil. Satan. Maybe we don’t like to think about him. Today’s reading from Revelations, however, reminds us of the reality of evil. As St. Paul states in his letter to the Ephesians, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12, KJV). Ultimately, of course, the story of Michael the archangel re-affirms God’s power over all the powers in heaven and earth:

 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Rev. 12:7-9)

The war has been won; God is victorious. Our job as believers is to continue to pray and work for the coming of the kingdom to save our “place in heaven.” As the church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels, it is worth considering these powerful allies and asking for their protection. As St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, advises us:

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.

St. Francis de Sales is just one of the writers features in the 10-volume set Classic Wisdom Collection featured on the Verbum Monthly Sales! Take advantage of 27% off through September 30th.