Today we celebrate the feast of the three archangels – Michael, whose name poses the question “Who is like God?”; Gabriel, whose name means “God’s Strength,” and Raphael, meaning “God’s Remedy”.
St. Michael is depicted as a warrior combatting Lucifer and other fallen angels, as narrated in Revelation 12:7-12. St. Gregory the Great explains that Michael is sent to make it clear that no one can do what God can do. This counters Lucifer’s pride that makes him want to be like God:
“Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power. So also our ancient foe desired in his pride to be like God, saying: I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of heaven; I will be like the Most High. He will be allowed to remain in power until the end of the world when he will be destroyed in the final punishment. Then, he will fight with the archangel Michael, as we are told by John: A battle was fought with Michael the archangel.”
St. Gabriel was the one who announced to Mary the coming of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity that ushered into the defeat of sin and death. To Daniel, he explained a vision concerning the Messiah (Daniel 8:15-26). To Zachariah, he foretold the birth of Saint John the Baptist – the Messiah’s forerunner (Luke 1:11-25). To Mary, he announced the Incarnation of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
St. Raphael is mentioned in the book of Tobit as a healer he invoked for critical moments in his life and was the one who touched his eyes to cure him.
In addition, these archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. From lowest to highest, these choirs are (1) Angels, (2) Archangels, (3) Principalities, (4) Powers, (5) Virtues, (6) Dominions, (7) Thrones, (8.) Cherubim, and (9) Seraphim.
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O God, who dispose in marvelous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
