Thanks. You beat me by three seconds on the American Catholic contents! LOL!
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Meditation
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Feast of the Archangels
Today we acknowledge three powerful champions of the spiritual realm: the archangels Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael. Raphael, whose name means, “God heals,” is attributed with helping Tobit and Sarah (Tobit 3:16-17). Gabriel, whose name means, “Man of God,” is attributed with announcing the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus himself (Luke 1:11-22,26-28). And Michael, whose name means, “Who is like God?” is attributed with battling Lucifer, the devil, himself a fallen angel (Revelation 12:7-9).
Angels are completely spiritual creatures with an intellect and will. They are both personal and immortal, and they surpass all visible creatures in perfection. Like us, they too were made through Christ and for Christ, to accomplish his purposes in the spiritual realm. Scripture tells us that they are ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation (Hebrews 1:14). They are attributed with protecting Lot; saving Hagar and her child; visiting the prophets; staying Abraham’s hand; rolling back the stone covering Jesus’ tomb; announcing the resurrection; and helping lead the apostles and the early church (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 328-336).
Our lives here on earth are not limited by the material realities we can see and touch and taste. There’s a whole other realm that has an impact on us. The wonder is that in our very own makeup, the two spheres of God’s creation—the physical and the spiritual—come together. While angels are spiritual and not physical, we are both. And this is why we human beings are considered the crown of creation. It’s also why the angels’ mission is to serve and protect us.
Here on earth, we may be lower than the angels and very dependent on them. But one day we will enter paradise, glorified and raised above even the angels whom we honor today. We are destined to enjoy eternal glory forever with Jesus, incorporated into the very life of the Holy Trinity. May we never forget the dignity of our calling!
“Father, you have created all that exists. By your Spirit, open my eyes to the spiritual realm. With the help of your angels, fill me with a deep desire to see everyone come to know you and embrace your salvation. Father, may heaven be filled with all your beloved people!”