Grace to you!
In divine providence, there are layers of excellent spiritual resources. Those resources are in the interest of God’s precious creatures, the chief of whom are you and me (humans). Within divine providence—that act through which God sustains creation—grace and opportune blessings are abundant. One of those blessings is the role played by the heavenly envoy— the angels, the highest of whom are archangels.
Don’t we need all the support you can get as you strive, by the grace of God, to live a holy and fulfilled life in the world? Tell me: are you always in control of everything around and about you? You must be God if you do. The truth is, from time to time, we need heavenly support, ranging from spiritual companions as soldiers of Christ, healing, and inspiring news.
There are levels of battle to wage as soldiers of Christ and pilgrims facing the ups and downs of life. Success in this journey entails working with as many spiritual resources we can get. God knows you need help, and God sends His angel of battle to help you. That angel is called “Michael” (implying, no one is like God). Ask those who know what spiritual warfare is, and they would tell you the role Archangel Michael plays in joining forces with the believer to overcome evil forces.
You probably know about the prayer to Saint Michael. It’s powerful in driving out demons and evil. Try it. (See the prayer at the end of the reflection)
Similarly, suppose you get hurt, did you know God does not leave you to suffer alone without divine support? In addition to your family and friends to help you, there is the angel specifically charged with the duty of ensuring your health is a priority. God is with you as you go in for surgery, an angiogram, deal with that migraine headache, or back or foot pain. The Lord’s healing resources accompany you as you are depressed or deal with hormonal problems. A special partner is Archangel Raphael (meaning, God is [my] healer) who follows you through that difficult process. I hope you are aware the angel is there.
Moreover, who does not want good news? Sometimes you want some inspiration, some insight, and some news of joy. God knows that, and God has already considered your situation. There is a rich support system in heavenly places. Scripture says, “He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). God’s grace for us is lavish.
Grace is also God ordering the angel of Good News to bring the needed insight, news, and inspiration to gladden the heart and strengthen you. Do you know that angle’s name? It’s Archangel Gabriel (meaning – God is my strength). Gabriel is God’s messenger of good news for you.
God’s providence always enriches me. There are abundant riches in his Body, the Church, when we model our spiritual life in the light of the liturgy we celebrate each day. We call it liturgical spirituality. It is connecting with the providence of God through the Church’s Sacred celebrations (Liturgy).
Today is a day we celebrate the providence of God through the three archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. How do you celebrate this? Do you know these angels are God’s messengers for you too?
God love you. God bless you.
Fr. Maurice Emelu
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Watch Today’s One-Minute Inspiration
