Angels: Messengers of God’s Salvation”

The word “angel” comes from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger,” and angels have played a vital role in the Bible’s salvation history. Although the biblical accounts are sometimes shaped by the mythologies of their time, angels are consistently portrayed as spiritual beings created by God to carry out His will, particularly in delivering messages of salvation to humanity. Their presence is evident in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the latter completing the promises of the former. Angels embody God’s authority and the deep connection of love between Him and mankind. Therefore, the term “angel” is always positive, even when they are sent to carry out God’s judgment, wrath, or justice (see Exodus 12:23; Numbers 21:6-8; 2 Samuel 24:16; 2 Kings 22:19).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church confirms the existence of angels as a ‘truth of faith”

How do angels relate to Christ? The Catechism teaches that Christ is at the center of the angelic realm. They are His angels (see Matthew 25:31) because they were created through Him and for Him (see Colossians 1:16). Moreover, they are His messengers, tasked with carrying out His plan of salvation (see Hebrews 1:14). From the Incarnation to the Ascension, angels have surrounded the life of Christ, offering adoration and service.

The Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael”

The Church annually observes the Feast of the Archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—on September 29. Who are these powerful beings?

The name Raphael means “God heals” (Tobit 3:17; 12:15), Gabriel means “Hero of God” (Daniel 10:13, 21), and Michael means “Who is like God?” (Daniel 12:1). These three are the only angels named in the Bible and are called Archangels because of their significant roles in salvation history.

Raphael is known for healing Tobias’ blindness in the Book of Tobit and is associated with God’s healing love and mercy. He is also thought to be the angel in John 5:1-4 who stirred the waters of the pool, granting healing to those who entered.

Gabriel is mentioned four times in Scripture, most notably when he announced to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19) and to Mary the Incarnation of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). Tradition holds that Gabriel also appeared to St. Joseph, the shepherds, and strengthened Jesus during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).

Michael, known as the ‘Prince of the Heavenly Host,’ stands as the chief and leader of all angels. His name recalls the battle cry of the angels loyal to God when Lucifer rebelled. Michael is mentioned four times in the Bible—in Daniel 10 and 12, in Jude, and in Revelation (Revelation 12:7). He led the heavenly army that cast Lucifer and his followers into Hell and is invoked for protection against Satan and evil.

Pope Leo XIII, after a prophetic vision of the dangers that would threaten the Church and the world in the 20th century, introduced a prayer asking for St. Michael’s protection, traditionally recited at the end of Mass.

Christian tradition identifies four roles of St. Michael: (1) to battle Satan, (2) to rescue the souls of the faithful at the hour of death, (3) to be the defender of God’s people, and (4) to guide souls to judgment.

Angels and Saints: Sources of Strength and Inspiration”

When the Sadducees attempted to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection, He responded, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. In the resurrection, individuals will not marry or be married; instead, they will be akin to the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:29-30).

Belief in angels provides us with inner strength to endure life’s darkness and failures, motivating us to press forward. This belief in a higher purpose gives meaning to our struggles, suffering, and pain on earth. The very thought of angels transports our minds to heaven, the ultimate desire of every human heart.

On October 2, the Church commemorates the feast of the Guardian Angels, but October also honors saintly figures who lived “angelic” lives. One such figure is St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a key reformer of the Carmelite Order. Through her spiritual writings, she teaches us the path to Christian perfection through contemplation. She wrote, “What more do we want than to have at our side a friend (Jesus) so loyal that He will never desert us when we are in trouble or difficulties, as worldly friends do? How blessed is the person who truly loves Him and clings to Him!” (Office of Readings, October 15).

Another inspiring figure is St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), known as the “Little Flower.” Entering the Carmelite Monastery at a young age, she practiced the virtues of humility, simplicity, and unwavering trust in God. Though she longed to die a martyr for the Gospel, St. Thérèse discovered her true vocation through contemplation: “Love is the vocation which includes all others; it’s a universe in itself, eternal, encompassing all time and space. Jesus, my beloved, I have discovered my vocation, and it is the vocation of love” (Office of Readings, October 1)

October 2 also marks Gandhi Jayanti, celebrating Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, who secured India’s political freedom not through violence or warfare but through a non-violent struggle for truth and justice—a path deeply rooted in the spirituality of the Gospel.

The word “angel” invokes in us a sense of the highest virtues we aspire to—purity of heart, unconditional love, sincerity, kindness, and a readiness to help those in need. Angels are seen as symbols of compassion and mercy, coming to our aid when we least expect it.

Throughout history, there have been countless “angels” of love, mercy, and kindness who have shown the world a way different from hatred and division. We honor their memory and strive to walk in their path. For many of us, these angelic figures may have been our own parents, relatives, or friends.

Saint Francis of Assisi: A Model of Humility and Compassion”

Saint Francis of Assisi, born in 1181 in Italy, is known as the patron saint of animals, nature, and the poor. He was a man of profound faith, who renounced his wealthy life to embrace a path of humility and service. Through his love for all of God’s creation, Saint Francis inspired countless people to live a life of peace, simplicity, and charity.

His famous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” continues to touch hearts and transform lives today. His legacy reminds us of the beauty in living selflessly and caring for both people and the environment.