Today in Scripture

Psalm 138:
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
     
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.
     
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.
     
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD 
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD “Great is the glory of the LORD".

Today is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Far from the popular images of chubby-cheeked cherubs, or pastel-tinted super-nannies, these "messengers of God" named in Scripture usually had to start their interactions with humans with the words, "Fear Not".  And with good reason: usually when an angel appears, something consequential is in the works!

Why do we have a feast day for angels? What does that say about what we believe? Well, let's go back to the Nicene Creed, "We believe in one God.... maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen."  In God's creation, there are spiritual realities that exist beyond our ability to detect with our senses. It's not just all about us! Angels, we are taught, are intelligent beings, created by God with free will and without the limitations of a physical body. Their eternal purpose is to glorify God and assist in working for our salvation. (Catechism of The Catholic Church nos. 328-336)

In the Diocese of Raleigh, we have parishes named for each of these archangels: St. Michael in Cary, St. Raphael in Raleigh and St. Gabriel in Greenville. "Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides [and heals]. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly." (source: www.americancatholic.org)

As unsettling as it can be to consider a reality beyond our own explainable experience, how comforting to think of so many protectors and guardians helping us on our spiritual path to our common Creator!