Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael Pray for Us

Readings: 1^st: Dn 7:9-10.13-14; Ps: 138; Gos: Jn 1:47-51

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today the Tuesday of the twenty-sixth week of ordinary time, the Church celebrates the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels. These three archangels are venerated in the tradition of the Church.

Michael, whose name means “who is like God?” was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels.

Gabriel, whose name means “strength of God,” announced the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

Raphael, whose name means medicine of God, is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

Today’s gospel presents us with the encounter and dialogue between Jesus and Nathaniel. There are two essential virtues and characteristics of Nathaniel that we must learn and emulate today: Sincerity and openness.

Unfortunately, these are the first causalities as we advance in age and culture. Even among pious Christians, at times, we come across secret agendas, ambitions, and ulterior motives.

Initially, Nathaniel doubted: “Can anything good come from Nazareth? He asked. However, after a divine encounter, he sincerely believed in Christ and exclaimed: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

An open and sincere heart is one that is open to evidence. It is humble, ready to learn, and to overcome difficulties in life. It is one that works and walks with God to achieve great things in life.

Seeing the sincerity and faith of Nathaniel, Christ made a promise 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.”

The good news for us today is that this promise is not limited to Nathaniel alone, but to all those who maintain purity, sincerity, and openness of heart.

So, we all have the opportunity to share in this promise, if only we can emulate the sincerity and openness of Nathaniel as we grow and advance in life.

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!