Looking back over my life, it seems that the depiction and talk of angels waxes and wanes. In older churches, we see ceilings and walls adorned with them. In pop culture, we’ve had TV shows like "Touched by an Angel" and "Highway to Heaven" and of course the classic movie, "It’s a Wonderful Life" where Jimmy Stewart’s character is led from despair to hope by his 'on the job' training angel, Clarence. And, of course, we have the chubby figurines with wings that you’ll find in gift stores around the world.
But today, we celebrate and reflect upon three archangels who are the real thing, God’s creation.
First, there’s Michael, who commanded God’s legions of angels to cast Satan out of heaven.
Then there is Gabriel, who brought Mary the good news of the coming of our Savior.
And then there’s Raphael, who healed Tobit and delivered his daughter-in-law from a demon. Each of these archangels serves God, and we are the beneficiaries - many times of their protection, healing, and leading us to God.
In today’s gospel, we encounter Nathaniel and hear Jesus’ words about him as Jesus observes him approaching. "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." What an incredible compliment!
It made me wonder, how does Jesus see me as I approach Him in this Mass? How does he see each of us? It’s good to ask ourselves this question; in a sense, it’s a way to examine our lives and our consciences.
Before this meeting between Jesus and Nathaniel. Philip met Jesus and heard the invitation, "follow me." Each of us, in our own way, has heard Jesus’ call and followed him to this celebration of the Mass - where at the beginning, we acknowledged the times we have missed the mark in being true children of God without duplicity.
But we can also acknowledge the times where we have served God, just like when Philip invites Nathaniel to "come and see" Jesus. Often we’re overwhelmed by objections or questions of family and friends about the Catholic faith. Philip gives us a way to respond, what if we invited our family and friends to "come and see" Jesus at Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, with us, some for the first time and others to return for the first time in a while. And for Catholics in the grace-filled healing of Confession.
As we celebrate the Archangels, who do great and holy works in God’s name. Let us be encouraged by knowing they watch over each one of us. And, strengthened by this support, may we be like Philip, who led Nathaniel to Jesus and lead family and friends to the healing presence of Jesus, in Mass, Confession, Adoration, and so many other ways. So that one day we may join the angels and the saints in heaven praising God with one voice.
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
