As a new month begins on the calendar, it is always good to look ahead to at least one of the feast days of that month that we can anticipate celebrating in a special way.
September is the month the Church devotes to the Sorrows of Mary. As we make reparation to Mary’s Sorrowful Heart with each Rosary we pray, each Mass we lovingly attend, we are aware of our own sorrows and worries that we entrust to Our Blessed Mother, who so deeply understands our hearts. This month, we can lighten the sorrows of our hearts by also seeking the intercession of the Holy Angels who assisted the many holy people in our faith story including, of course, Our Blessed Mother, whose Annunciation was brought by the Archangel Gabriel.
September 29 is the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Since this feast day is at the very end of the month, we can anticipate it all month long and by the time October begins, we will hopefully find we are closer to the angels than ever before.
In Psalm 91 it is written:
“For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
A lesson from each angel
Each of the three famous angels’ examples can offer words of wisdom that ring out from Scripture as guidance for each of our lives:
And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
(Revelation 12:7-9)
This quote from the Book of Revelation reminds of the importance of actively fighting against evil, and of calling upon St. Michael to defend us in battle. The name Michael means “Who is like God?” Michael’s very name is a rebuke to Lucifer, who wanted to be like God, and to the pride of any human who falls for the primal lie given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God…” (Gen 3:5).
St. Michael reminds us to remain humble, to know our own weakness and trust in God. Yet amazingly, those who keep the faith, will someday be like God. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 Jn 3:2). God will always be greater, so we join in St. Michael’s cry, “Who is like God?” even as we know that someday, if we stay humble and keep the faith, through God’s goodness … we will be like Him.
St. Michael is Archangel of Protection, so it’s a great idea to get a statue or icon of him for protection in the home. If you don’t already, begin praying to him daily this prayer, as many parishes pray after each Mass. Another beautiful prayer is the Chaplet of St. Michael.
Nothing will be impossible for God!
(Luke 1:37)
These words come from the infancy narratives of Luke’s Gospel, in which the Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her that she will be the Mother of God and that her cousin, Elizabeth, has conceived in her old age and will bear a son. These words, boldly proclaiming that God can move any mountain, are great words to live by. So, keep your heart open for heavenly messages or graces
St. Gabriel is the Messenger Archangel, so in his honor this month, why not send a message of joyful announcement, or proclaim good news in the life of someone you love. From an encouraging, faith-filled text message or card sent to someone who needs a boost, to holding the door and saying “God bless you” to a stranger today – there are countless ways we can bring good news to others as the angel Gabriel brought Mary.
Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, and do not be slack in thanking him.
(Tobit 12:6)
This quote from the Book of Tobit is directly from the Archangel Raphael, who instructs us to be ever grateful to God and not to tire of thanking and praising Him.
Since St. Raphael is Archangel of Healing, this is a great month to pray with more fervor for the sick, send someone a get well card, or arrange to have a Mass said for someone who is ill. Consider making a donation to the apostolate of blessed Raphael oil for someone you know who is sick.
Eucharist with the Angels
Finally, to journey with the angels this month, you can sign up for a free guided Holy Hour which invokes the intercession of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael at Catholic Holy Hour.
This September, let us live every moment of the day what we pray at Mass, praising God and praying with the host of angels:
“Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of Hosts,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.”
And today we celebrate...