Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 647] Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5 John 1:47-51

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer

A few years ago, a favorite folk singer of mine, Kathy Mattea, recorded a song that reminded us “He keeps sending me angels – just like you.”  I suggest this as a theme for today’s reflection.  Angels, we believe, are messengers from God who protect us, heal us, call us, send us, unite us.  Michael the Archangel fought against evil (the accuser, the one who deceives) and prevailed.  Gabriel, of course, announced to Mary her role as Mother and First Disciple of Jesus.  And Raphael was the healer and guide of Tobit, confirming him in his marriage to Sarah.

Each of us might well ask ourselves how and through whom have we learned about God’s presence, message, and plan for us.  Each of our three readings offers us a clue for understanding how this works.  In the first reading is, “One like a Son of Man”; in the Psalm, “Now have salvation and power come and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his anointed.”  And in the Gospel words of Jesus, “Amen, amen I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

We live in the Reign of God, the Kingdom of God’s love.  “A new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world has been renewed, and human kind has once again been made whole,” as we sing in the Easter preface.

Prayer for me today, and I hope for you, is recognition and gratitude for how, when, and in whom this has been revealed to us.  Who are the angels, the messengers, God keeps sending me?  Then we all sing together, “In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord.”