On Thursday September 29th we observe the Festival of St. Michael and all Angels. The word Angel comes from the greek angelos, which means messenger. Angels are not divine but created beings. They act at the Lord’s direction to speak His words, carry out His actions, or bring judgment or salvation. The phrase from the Nicene Creed confesses the Angels when we say, “…and of all things visible and invisible.” God frequently used Angels to announce important events in the history of salvation: The news to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to a Son, the news of Jesus birth, His Resurrection, Ascension, and His second coming. There are both good and evil angels. The Holy angels are many in number and powerful. They serve God, help us, and protect us from harm and danger. When we die they will take us to be with our Lord forever. The evil angels are also many in number and powerful. They rebelled against God and were cast out of Heaven. They hate God and seek to destroy good, especially faith in Christ. This festival commemorates the great battle in Heaven where St. Michael and the Angels of the Lord fought Satan and his evil angels. The battle between the Holy Angels and demons will also continue, till the Day of Christ. The Scripture readings for this day describe how the Lord uses the Angels to deliver us from Satan. May we remember this festival as a grateful thanksgiving to our Lord for using His Holy Angels to bring glory to His name and guarding the precious gift of salvation we have been given, through the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Scripture Readings– OT: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 Epistle: Revelation 12:7-12 Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:1-11 Luke 10:1-9; 17-20