Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to help us and guide us. They are God’s messengers to the people. Among the choirs of Angels are the Archangels; who I refer to as the service chiefs of Heaven. Today the Church is focusing her attention on three of the Archangels – Gabriel, Raphael and Michael.
The name Gabriel means the might of God. He is the angel of Goodnews. He was the Angel that announced the gift of wisdom to Daniel, announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zachary, announced the conception of Jesus to Mary, and the pregnancy of Mary to Joseph. Today we pray, May Archangel Gabriel bring us goodnews.
The name Raphael means the healing hand of God. Archangel Raphael is the Angel of healing. He was the Angel who healed Tobit of his blindness, Healed Sarah the wife of Tobias from the evil spirit, asmodeus that prevented her from getting married. He also acted as a guardian to Tobias as he travelled. Archangel Raphael is invoked as the Patron saint of travelers, the sick, young people ripe for marriage and the innocent.
The name Michael means who is like God (Onye dikachi). Archangel Michael is the angel of War. He was the Angel who led the heavenly army against satan when satan made the statement “non serviam” (which means I will not serve; I will no longer serve the living God). He is invoked to fight satan, to rescue the soul of the dying from the grasp of the devil and is a special patron of the church against the gate of hell.
As we celebrate the feast of these Archangels, may God, through their ministries, send us help and blessings from Heaven.
Good morning and happy Friday.
