"Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plain." What's with the Christmas carol in September? Today's feast is for three "non-humans", the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Technically, they are not saints, in that they are not human, but we call them saints in honor of their holiness and because they are the only angels mentioned by name in the Bible. Michael is mentioned in the Books of Daniel and Revelation, Gabriel in the Book of Daniel and the Gospel of Luke, and Raphael in the Book of Tobit. Michael is the leader of God's armies to victory over evil; Gabriel announces God's will to Mary; and Raphael guides Tobias in order to heal his father Tobit.
The word angel means "messenger". All the angels are messengers of God to share God's will with us. According to St. Paul, there are nine choirs, or levels, of angels, each with their own function. The veneration of the angels goes back to the Eastern Church starting with Michael in the fourth century. Along with other other patronages, Michael is the patron of police officers, Gabriel of communication workers, and Raphael of travelers.
When we think of angels, do we think of cute, winged, creatures who fly about and are delicate and look like they can easily be broken? Angels are God's creatures who represent God, so they are not cutesy, delicate, or able to be broken. The name Michael means "Who is like God"? It is a challenge and a call to worship God. The name Gabriel means "God is my strength". It is a call to depend on God to protect and guide us. The name Raphael means "God heals". It is a charge to let us be healed of all our sins by God. Perhaps we should change the lyrics of the Christmas carol to "Angels we have heard on high, boldly, strongly, calling us" to repent and believe in the Good news of his loving salvation.
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