Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, Archangels - Feast

Saint John 1:47-51

by Daily Gospel | Source: Daily Gospel

Book of Daniel 7:9-10.13-14.

As I watched : Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool ; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire.

A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,

He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Psalms 138(137):1-2a.2bc-3.4-5.

Of David. I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods to you I sing.

I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your fidelity and love. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.

When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.

All the kings of earth will praise you, LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.

They will sing of the ways of the LORD: "How great is the glory of the LORD!"

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1:47-51.

Gospel Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him."

Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this."

And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Commentary of the day

Saint Bernard (1091-1153), Cistercian monk and doctor of the Church

1st Sermon for the Feast of Saint Michael

«Bless the Lord, all you his angels..., his ministers who do his will» (Ps 103[102],20-21)

Today we are celebrating the feast of the holy angels... But what is there to say about those angelic spirits? This is our faith: we believe them to enjoy the presence and sight of God, to possess unending happiness in those good things of the Lord, which «eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have they entered the heart of man» (1Cor 2,9). What can one simple mortal man have to say about it to his fellow mortals, impossible as it is to imagine such things?... If it is impossible to speak about the holy angels' glory in God, at least we can speak about the grace and love they show towards ourselves, for not only do they enjoy an incomparable dignity but also a willingness to serve that is full of loving-kindness... If their glory is beyond our understanding, we hold all the more tightly to the mercy with which these friends of God, these citizens of heaven and lords of paradise, are filled

The apostle Paul himself who, with his own eyes, beheld the heavenly court and knew its secrets (2Cor 12,2), testifies that: «all the angels are ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation» (Heb 1,14). There is nothing incredible in this since the Creator, the King of Angels himself, «came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for many» (Mk 10,45). So what angel is there who would despise such a service, in which he whom the angels serve in heaven with such readiness and joy has gone before them?

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