From The Desk Of Deacon Judy

Saint Michael and All Angels (Feast Day, September 29)

And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Rev 12:7-9)

We learn from the Book of Revelation that Archangel Michael and his angels fought the dragon of evil and threw him and his bad angels out of heaven forever. Archangel Michael is ever our protector and defender against all dangers and snares which may befall us. In our Christian tradition, angels are God’s messengers (Gabriel’s announcements to Mary and to Joseph) and God’s agents of protection (Michael).

It may be hard for us rational thinkers to believe that angels exist. Others are convinced that guardian angels are ever present in their lives.

The truth is that angels often appear in scripture and the Bible names four of them – Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. We honor these angels each time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist:

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name…. (Eucharist Prayers)

Many churches and holy places have chosen Michael as their patron saint. Perhaps you have visited Mont-St. Michel in Normandy or Saint Michael’s Mount in Cornwall.

This Sunday I will be at St. Michael and All Angels in Millbrook for a Bishop’s Visitation to celebrate the Feast Day and for confirmations. I shall see you all again on October 8.

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.

God’s peace, Judy Q+