"Angels don't worry about you... They believe in you."

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” - Saint Augustine

Gospel text (Jn 1,47-51):
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Today's feast day honors the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the only angels mentioned by name in the Bible. We thank God for these three archangels. We need them now more than ever.

Angels are those beings who want to work for us and do jobs which must be done, although we can't do them or find anyone else to do them. It's just what we need — and for free! There are "thousands upon thousands" of them (Dn 7:10). One has been assigned to guard each of us.

The archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, will also help us. Michael's specialty is spiritual warfare — something we're engaged in daily, especially if we're living the life in the Spirit. "Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven" (Rv 12:7-8). That war Michael finished in heaven is continuing on earth, and we're in it. St. Michael, pray for us. We need you.

Gabriel specializes in annunciations and revelations. He helped Daniel to understand Jeremiah's prophecy (see Dn 9:21-27) and carried to Mary the greatest message ever: God was to become man in her womb and His name would be Jesus (Lk 1:31-32).

Raphael works in the areas of guidance and healing (Tb 12:7). Goodness knows we need that. Remember, angels are "ministering spirits, sent to serve those who are to inherit salvation" (Heb 1:14).

Let's keep them employed.