Today we celebrate the feast of the archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In the words of a homily on the Gospels given by St. Gregory the Great: "We must remember that the word "angel" denotes a function rather than a nature. These holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels: and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels.
Some angels are given proper names to denote the service they are empowered to perform. Michael means: "Who is like God?" Gabriel means "Strength of God." Raphael is "God's Remedy."
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.
Gabriel, who is God's strength, was sent to Mary. He came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus God's strength announced the coming of the Lord of heavenly powers, mighty in battle.
Raphael means, God's remedy, for when he touch Tobit's eyes in order to cure him, he banished the darkness of his blindness. Thus, since he is to heal, he is rightly called God's remedy."
May we this day be grateful to God for supplying power, strength and remedy to us when we need it, by means of heavenly messengers! He has always done so – and will continue to do so - for as long as we need it!
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