ARCHANGELS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL

To the dismay of his pacifist and non-violent parents our son Patrick has always had a fascination with toy guns, swords and anything that has to do with such. Patrick is named after a dear friend of mine who died a few months before we adopted him. He was not impressed by the little statue of the peaceful and humble bishop St. Patrick that we got him for his room. Then, because his middle name is Michael, we presented him with a small statue of St. Michael the Archangel. This namesake Archangel was the coolest because he brandished a sword. Twenty years later, the statuette of St. Michael the Archangel holds a place of honour in his room.

Like my son, I have always related to angels. My mother always told us about the angels, and we prayed “Angel of God” every night and morning. The idea of having a guardian angel was a source of deep comfort to me. I can witness to many incidents in my life where I believe the intervention of my guardian angel is the only reason for my survival of some precarious situations.

As I have grown older, I have heard many references to angels in my everyday life. Some folks comfort themselves when a loved one dies by referring to the deceased as now being an angel in heaven or having received their wings. Though understandable and pastorally comforting, this does not align with our Catholic understanding of angels. Angels are created beings who are intermediaries for God’s work in the world. The word “angel” itself is rooted in the ancient Greek word ángelos (ἄγγελος) which means “messenger.”

Among the hierarchy of angels, the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael have particular roles to play in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic traditions. The Archangel Michael is a warrior defender who leads the heavenly defender angels. He is the archetype of the strong and courageous who offer justice and protection in the defense of truth. He especially is referred to in the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation. St. Michael the Archangel is often called upon for protection against all that is evil, for courage in life’s battles.

The Archangel Gabriel is God’s messenger who brings important tidings to God’s people. He was the Angel who explained Daniel’s visions in the Book of Daniel. Gabriel also announced the conception and eventual birth of John the Baptist to his father Zachariah (Luke 1:5-2:20). Most notably, Archangel Gabriel brought the glad tidings of the coming birth of Jesus to Mary. It is for these roles, that Gabrial is the patron of communication, creativity and all who share God’s word and teach the faith (messengers, writers, teachers).

Archangel Raphael is regarded as a healer and guide. In the book of Tobit, we read that Raphael is the angel who guided Tobias on his journey, heals Tobit’s blindness, and drives away evil. For this reason, he is often called upon for bodily healing and restoration, companionship and during times of travel.

All together, these Archangels cover the gambit for all we need to live safely in our world. It is not hard to see that we are often surrounded by trouble and evils in this life. It is a great comfort to know that God cares for us and offers protection, guidance, courage and restoration as we forge our way through the challenges of this life.

Michael Way Skinner is a retired Coordinator of Religion, Family Life and Equity with the York Catholic District School Board. He was a contributing author to World Religions: A Canadian Catholic Perspective, and co-authored There Must be a Pony in Here Somewhere (Novalis, 2020) with his wife, Christine Way Skinner. Michael is a public speaker and award-winning educator who is deeply committed to faith as a source for inclusion and justice.