HOMILY OF FRIDAY IN THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels –
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, John 1:47-51
THEME: THE ANGELIC PRESENCE: HEAVEN AND EARTH CONNECTION
Today we celebrate the memorial of archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These three prominent messengers of God played significant roles in God’s eternal plans for human salvation.
Michael, which means, “Who is like God”, is a protector, warrior against evil, and guide for souls.
St Gabriel serves as a messenger, announcing significant events, such as the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary.
St Raphael is known as a healer and guide, accompanying individuals on their journeys toward physical and spiritual wholeness.
The reality of angels did not end with the Biblical incidents. They are with us every moment. All we need to do is to tune ourselves to a conscious awareness of their presence. However, knowing Jesus is greater than any other spiritual experience we may have.
The Lord Jesus said in the gospel, “you will see heaven laid open and above the Son of Man the angels of God ascending and descending“. This symbolically means that through him, heaven and earth unite. This imagery calls our minds back to the story of Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28:12, where Jacob saw a vision of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending upon it. Jesus is simply saying that through him, there will be a direct and profound connection between heaven and earth, with the disciples as witnesses to these divine manifestations.
Hence, the ministry of the angels is meant to draw us closer to the life Christ through whom we can gain direct and true access to heaven. They are meant to help us in our spiritual journey towards eternity.
May the angels always be there to lead us to Christ the way. Amen
