Angelic Defenders

~~~ Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels ~~~
~~~ Revelation 12:7-12AB ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ John 1:47-51 ~~~ 

Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Whether or not angels exist is not determined
by whether or not we believe they do or do not exist.
How many times have you believed in something because you needed to?
There was some benefit to your believing.
Maybe believing in angels brings you comfort.
Perhaps you believe because of the Bible stories
surrounding angel appearances.
Angels are messengers from God.

Today we have the archangels...the highest rank among angels.
They are given the title of saints because they are 'holy ones'.
Typically there are believed to be seven archangels.

Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are among the most
well known of the archangels.
They each have special significance...
Michael, who is like unto God,
defeated Satan protects us in our faith.
Gabriel, strength of God, heralds the mysteries
of God such as the Incarnation.
Raphael, healer of God, helped Tobit of his blindness
and aided in the marriage of Sarah.
He is the patron of travelers and of nurses, because he is associated
with moving the waters in the healing pool of Bethesda.

We are constantly being seduced by the devil and fooled by his schemes.
The devil never tires of trying to attack and destroy us.
Today we should ask these archangels for their protection
 over ourselves, our country, and our world.

“They defend mankind and defend the God-man, 
the superior man, Jesus Christ who is the perfection 
of humanity, the most perfect,” he said.

Words from Pope Francis in his homily
delivered today speaking about the Archangels.

The Archangels are beside us to do battle against the attacks of Satan.
We too must enter into this battle in our own defense.
Nathaniel took it upon himself to position himself
 where he could take in the full view of Jesus.

He climbed up into the tree so he could see,
but Jesus noticed him while he sat quietly under the fig tree.

God sends his Archangels to act against the devil,
but we are called to seek the presence of Jesus.
In the presence of Jesus we are better
equipped to discern the shadows of the evil one.

It is when we are not paying attention
that the one who desires our eternal condemnation
 sets his claws into our heart and soul.

Prayer is our best defense when in battle with the darkness of Satan.

The Archangels are here to support us in our battle...
be determined to resist the evil disguises.

Blessed with God's angelic defense team.

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