Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 09-29-04, Feast, Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 09-29-04 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

September 29, 2004
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Psalm: Wednesday 42 Reading I Responsorial Psalm Gospel

Reading I
Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

or

Rev 12:7-12ab

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them."

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

R (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD:
"Great is the glory of the LORD."
R In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Gospel
Jn 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."

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For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

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Feast Day of Michael,Gabriel and Raphael[Michael's Battle With The Dragon]

Feast of St. Michael the Archangel

Apologies to St. Michael

The Story of Michael

St. Gabriel Archangel

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[Salvation]

THE THREE ARCHANGELS: [St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael]

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From: John 1:47-51


The Calling of the First Disciples (Continuation)

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[47] Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said to him, "Behold, an Israelite
indeed, in whom is no guile!" [48] Nathaniel said to Him, "How do you
know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were
under the fig tree, I saw you." [49] Nathaniel answered Him, "Rabbi,
you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! [50] Jesus
answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do
you believe? You shall see greater things than these." [51] And He
said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see Heaven opened,
and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

---

Commentary:


45-51. The Apostle Philip is so moved that he cannot but tell his
friend Nathanael (Bartholomew) about his wonderful discovery (verse
45). "Nathanael had heard from Scripture that Jesus must come from
Bethlehem, from the people of David. This belief prevailed among the
Jews and also the prophet had proclaimed it of old, saying: `But you, O
Bethlehem, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you
shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel' (Micah 5:2).
Therefore, when he heard that He was from Nazareth, he was troubled and
in doubt, since he found that the announcement of Philip was not in
agreement with the words of the prophecy" (St. John Chrysostom, "Hom.
on St. John", 20, 1).


A Christian may find that, in trying to communicate his faith to
others, they raise difficulties. What should he do? What Philip
did--not trust his own explanation, but invite them to approach Jesus
personally: "Come and see" (verse 46). In other words, a Christian
should bring his fellow-men, his brothers into Jesus' presence through
the means of grace which He has given them and which the Church
ministers--frequent reception of the sacraments, and devout Christian
practices.


Nathanael, a sincere person (verse 47), goes along with Philip to see
Jesus; he makes personal contact with our Lord (verse 48), and the
outcome is that he receives faith (the result of his ready reception of
grace, which reaches him through Christ's human nature: verse 49).


As far as we can deduce from the Gospels, Nathanael is the first
Apostle to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as Messiah and
as Son of God. Later on St. Peter, in a more formal way, will
recognize our Lord's divinity (cf. Matthew 16:16). Here (verse 51)
Jesus evokes a text from Daniel (7:13) to confirm and give deeper
meaning to the words spoken by His new disciple.

---

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text
taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries
made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of
Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.

[Salvation]

FEAST OF THE DAY

The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are three servants of
God who are mentioned throughout both Old and New Testaments
of the Bible. These angels bear witness to God's transcendence and
loving care for us. The three archangels we honor today are the only
angelic messengers whose deeds are mentioned by specifically in
Scripture.

Michael, whose name means "Who is like God", appears in the Book
of Daniel as "the great prince" who defends Israel against its
enemies. Michael is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the
one who leads God's armies to finally victory over the forces of
Satan. Devotion to Michael was common in the East during the
fourth century and the Church in the West began to observe the
feast sometime in the fifth century.


Gabriel, whose name means "God's Strength", also is mentioned in
the Book of Daniel. He is the messenger who announces the role of
Michael in God's plan. His best known appearance in the Bible is
when he appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce her great
place in God's plan as the mother of the Messiah.


Raphael, whose name means "God's Remedy", is mentioned in the
Old Testament exclusively in the Book of Tobit. Here, he acts as a
guide to Tobiah in his adventures. Raphael is instrumental in
bringing about the happy ending where Tobbiah is married, Tobit is
healed of blindness, and Tobit's family fortune is restored.


QUOTE OF THE DAY

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of
Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named
Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And
coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But
she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of
greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid,
Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in
your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will
be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God
will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the
house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom their will be no end." -Lk
1:26-34


TODAY IN HISTORY

440 Election of Pope Leo I "the Great"
557 Death of St. Cyriacus the Recluse
1582 Death of St. Theresa


TODAY'S TIDBIT

Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
And do you, O Prince of the heavenly host,
By the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world
For the ruin of souls.
Amen


INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray, through the intercession of the Archangels, for all the
ordained ministers of the Church.

[Salvation]

Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels (Feast)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12 Psalm 138:1-5 John 1:47-51 There is a fragrance to filial obedience which nothing can replace, and of which no one ever grows tired; for this obedience is affectionate and free from self seeking. Our Lord demands it of us. He leaves a thin streamlet of it in our parents, but He wants the whole river for Himself. Let us give Him our whole heart.  -- St. Peter Eymard

[Salvation]

~ PRAYER ~

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
 Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we  humbly pray,
 and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
 by the power of God,
 Thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
 Amen
+

[Coleus]

September 29, 2004

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

 

Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Michael appears in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God's armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel's visions, announcing Michael's role in God's plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael's activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit's son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah's marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit's blindness and the restoration of the family fortune.

The memorials of Gabriel (March 24) and Raphael (October 24) were added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 revision of the calendar joined their feasts to Michael's.

Comment:

Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.

Quote:

"The question of how many angels could dance on the point of a pin no longer is absurd in molecular physics, with its discovery of how broad that point actually is, and what part invisible electronic 'messengers' play in the dance of life" (Lewis Mumford).

 

Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Old Calendar: Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel

The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael (Who is like God?) was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, "Hail, full of grace," is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. Raphael (Medicine of God) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was only the feast of St. Michael. St. Gabriel was observed on March 24 and St. Raphael on October 24.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that "[T]he existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." Read the Catechism 328-336 to see the teachings of the Church on angels.

Angels are pure, created spirits. The name angel means servant or messenger of God. They are celestial or heavenly beings, on a higher order than human beings. An angel has no body and does not depend on matter for his existence or activity. They are distinct from saints, which men can become. Angels have intellect and will, and are immortal. They are a vast mulitude, but each is an individual person. Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim and 9) Seraphim.

 

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St. Michael
The name of the archangel Michael means, in Hebrew, who is like unto God? and he is also known as "the prince of the heavenly host". He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armor and wearing sandals. His name appears in Scripture four times, twice in the Book of Daniel, and once each in the Epistle of St. Jude and the Book of Revelation. From Revelation we learn of the battle in heaven, with St. Michael and his angels combatting Lucifer and the other fallen angels (or devils). We invoke St. Michael to help us in our fight against Satan; to rescue souls from Satan, especially at the hour of death; to be the champion of the Jews in the Old Testament and now Christians; and to bring souls to judgment.

This day is referred to as "Michaelmas" in many countries and is also one of the harvest feast days. In England this is one of the "quarter days", which was marked by hiring servants, electing magistrates, and beginning of legal and university terms. This day also marks the opening of the deer and other large game hunting season. In some parts of Europe, especially Germany, Denmark, and Austria, a special wine called "Saint Michael's Love" (Michelsminne) is drunk on this day. The foods for this day vary depending on nationality. In the British Isles, for example, goose was the traditional meal for Michaelmas, eaten for prosperity, France has waffles or Gaufres and the traditional fare in Scotland used to be St. Michael's Bannock (Struan Micheil) — a large, scone-like cake. In Italy, gnocchi is the traditional fare.

Patron: Against temptations; against powers of evil; artists; bakers; bankers; battle; boatmen; cemeteries; coopers; endangered children; dying; Emergency Medical Technicians; fencing; grocers; hatmakers; holy death; knights; mariners; mountaineers; paramedics; paratroopers; police officers; radiologists; sailors; the sick; security forces; soldiers; against storms at sea; swordsmiths; those in need of protection; Brussels, Belgium; Caltanissett, Sicily; Cornwall, England; Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee Florida; England; Germany; Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama; Papua, New Guinea; Puebla, Mexico; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Sibenik, Croatia; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington; Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Symbols: Angel with wings; dressed in armour; lance and shield; scales; shown weighing souls; millstone; piercing dragon or devil; banner charged with a dove.

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St. Gabriel
St. Gabriel's name means "God is my strength". Biblically he appears three times as a messenger. He had been sent to Daniel to explain a vision concerning the Messiah. He appeared to Zachary when he was offering incense in the Temple, to foretell the birth of his son, St. John the Baptist. St. Gabriel is most known as the angel chosen by God to be the messenger of the Annunciation, to announce to mankind the mystery of the Incarnation.

The angel's salutation to our Lady, so simple and yet so full of meaning, Hail Mary, full of grace, has become the constant and familiar prayer of all Christian people.

Patron: Ambassadors; broadcasting; childbirth; clergy; communications; diplomats; messengers; philatelists; postal workers; public relations; radio workers; secular clergy; stamp collectors; telecommunications; Portugal; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.

Symbols: Archangel; sceptre and lily; MR or AM shield; lantern; mirror; olive branch; scroll with words Ave Maria Gratia Plena; Ressurection trumpet; shield; spear; lily.

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St. Raphael
Our knowledge of the Archangel Raphael comes to us from the book of Tobit. His mission as wonderful healer and fellow traveller with the youthful Tobias has caused him to be invoked for journeys and at critical moments in life. Tradition also holds that Raphael is the angel that stirred the waters at the healing sheep pool in Bethesda. His name means "God has healed".

Patron: Blind; bodily ills; counselors; druggists; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; healers; health inspectors; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travellers; young people; young people leaving home for the first time; Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.

Symbols: Staff; wallet and fish; staff and gourd; archangel; young man carrying a staff; young man carrying a fish; walking with Tobias; holding a bottle or flask.

Things to Do:

• This is a good feast to learn more about the angels. Children especially are fascinated by these spirits.
• Memorize the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. Although no longer formerly recited after Mass, our Holy Father John Paul II has encouraged us to recite this prayer daily. Read about this prayer. If you can read Italian, here is the Regina Coeli message during which the pope encouraged this prayer.
• Learn the Angelus and recite it daily. Traditionally, the prayer is prayed at the 6:00 and 12:00 hours (am and pm). There is a partial indulgence attached to those who pray this prayer.
• Read the Book of Tobit.
• Make some recipes related to Michaelmas.
• Research other customs for this feast day.

[Salvation]

American Cathlic's Saint of the Day

September 29, 2004

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Michael appears in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God's armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel's visions, announcing Michael's role in God's plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael's activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit's son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah's marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit's blindness and the restoration of the family fortune.

The memorials of Gabriel (March 24) and Raphael (October 24) were added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 revision of the calendar joined their feasts to Michael's.

Comment:

Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.

Quote:

"The question of how many angels could dance on the point of a pin no longer is absurd in molecular physics, with its discovery of how broad that point actually is, and what part invisible electronic 'messengers' play in the dance of life" (Lewis Mumford).

[Salvation]

Thanks. You beat me by three seconds on the American Catholic contents! LOL!

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

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!”