HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ARCHANGEL – MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL.
THEME: THE MESSAGE OF THE ANGELS.
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29 2022.
In today’s Liturgy, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels- Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Michael (Who is like God?) was the Archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all friends of God. He is the protector of humanity from the snares of the devil. Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zechariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. Raphael (Medicine of God) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey and cured Tobit of his sight problem. The first reading (Dan 7: 9-19, 13-14 or Rev 12: 7-12) both present a vision of Michael as the chief (arch) messenger (angel) who, in obedience does the will of the Ancient One (God) and the Son of Man (Christ Jesus), fighting Satan and his rebel angels. The Son of Man has “dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve Him”. Does Jesus rule in your life?
The gospel (John 1: 47-51) presents Jesus as the Son of God who comes with foreknowledge (when He saw Nathaniel) and is ministered to by Angels. Jesus shows that He know each individual through and through. Nothing is hidden before God!
Dear friends, the Angels serve God by announcing and proclaiming God’s glory so that constant praise and honour is given to God. Our lives should be filled with praise joining the Angels to give God honour and adoration. In all things, even in the midst of hardship and challenge, we should lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will respond diligently to the message of the Archangels to constantly give praise and honour to God by furthering the announcement of the Good News of Salvation. Together with the Psalmist let us give thanks and praise to God with all our hearts (Ps 138: 1). Have a Praise and Thanksgiving-full day!