Angel Among Us

Readings for Monday September 29, 2010

Feasts of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138

Gospel: John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (Jn 1:47-51)

In today's gospel we are told that Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew of him. Nathanael was so astounded that he proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus then asks him, "Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree?" Jesus then goes on to tell Nathanael that he will see far greater things than this. Jesus tells him that he will see "the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Nathanael is promised to see something great, and Jesus tells Nathanael that he will see another one of God's glorious creations, His angels. As we honor Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; let us think about the role angels play in our salvation. St. Augustine makes an important point in regards to angels. He says that " 'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office it is 'angel'. " St. Thomas Aquinas said "the angels work together for the benefit of us all."

Throughout the scriptures we see many references to the angels. We see how important they are in doing God's will and in serving Him. While pure spiritual beings, the angels still have free will, and they like us, have the capability of accepting or rejecting God. The angels provide us yet another example of being good faithful servants of God. They show us that we should, like them, humble ourselves before our God and serve Him with all of our being.

The archangels have all played very important roles throughout history, and they continue to play important roles in God's plan; and so we honor them today. We thank God for sending His servants to help us here on earth, so one day we might be with Him in heaven.

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord we pray for your guidance throughout this day. Lord, may we serve you and give you the glory through all that we do. Let us humble ourselves and have no fear as we go through this life trusting in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.