The term “angel”, from the Latin “Angelus” denotes the office of spiritual beings and simply means a “Messenger”. The Archangels, whose feast we celebrate today are one of the 9 choirs of angels and their names denote their function: Michael protects, Gabriel announces and Raphael guides and heals.

The first reading from the book of Revelation shows Michael defending God’s faithful and defeating Satan. In the Gospel, Jesus introduces himself using the imagery of Jacob’s dream where Jacob saw a ladder spanning heaven and earth enabling angels to enter and leave the world. Identifying himself with Jacob, Jesus points out that:

- He is the place where heaven meets earth
- He is the House of God
- He is the mediator through whom the angels exercise their ministry

Although we are not archangels, our Baptism invites us to something similar – to announce the Good News like Gabriel, to protect the weak like Michael and to guide and heal the broken-hearted like Raphael.

Will you be God’s angel today?