The Archangels and their mission

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week - Wednesday*

*Feast of the Archangels*

*GOSPEL - Jn 1:47–51*

*First Reading -  Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12ab*

*The Archangels and their mission*

*1) Archangel Michael*

The name Gabriel in Hebrew signifies *Who is like God*

He is called *great prince* in catholic tradition

The archangel has four offices 

A) To fight against Satan 

B) To rescue the souls of the faithful from his grasp, especially at death 

C) To be the special Patron of Holy Church

D) To bring men's soul to judgement

He is also held to be the special Guardian Angel of the Pope. 

*2) The Archangel Gabriel*

The name Gabriel means *The Power of God* or *Hero of God* in Hebrew

He is one of the seven Angels who *Stand before God* 

Angel Gabriel is known as the *Messenger of glad or consoling tidings*

He announced the Birth of John the Baptist in the Temple to Zachariah

Above all he is known as the *Angel of Annunciation* because it was he who informed Mary that she had been chosen to become the Mother of the Incarnate Word. 

Christian tradition also believes that it was Angel Gabriel who gave the message to the Shepherds and to Joseph in connection with the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt 

He is the one who *Strengthened* our Lord in the Garden of Oilves 

*3) Archangel Raphael*

In Hebrew Raphael means *God has healed* 

He is also one among seven angels who always  stand before the throne of the Almighty 

He has a special power to heal - which is seen in healing the blindness of Tobit in Old Testament

He is the Patron saint of travellers, of the Young, and the innocent

*4) Our life consists in Three dimension mission*

First of all fight against the Satan and to save our soul from Satan 

Secondly we are given the mission of announcing the Good News 

Thirdly, we have been called to bring healing to wounded world 

As a faithful disciples of Jesus we are suppose to play these three functions of the Archangels, to build heaven on this earth.

Am I ready?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*