GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Ordinary Season : Twenty Sixth Week: Tuesday*
*Gospel : John 1:47-51*
*First Reading : Daniel 7: 9-10; 13-14*
*Responsorial Psalm : 138: 1-5*
*Second Reading : Revelation 12: 7-12*
*The power of the Archangels*
*1) What is the power of an Archangel?*
The word Archangel means a chief or leading angel. In the Bible, three Archangels are especially associated with particular missions:
St Michael – defender and protector: “Who is like God?”
St Gabriel – messenger of God: he announces God's plan to Mary.
St Raphael – healer and companion: he accompanies Tobias and brings healing.
Their power is therefore mission-oriented. Michael does not possess God's power; he serves God's authority. Gabriel does not create the message; he carries God's message. Raphael does not replace God the healer; he becomes an instrument of God's healing.
*2) Why does God need Archangels if He can do everything Himself?*
God does not need angels in the sense of being dependent on them. Rather, God chooses to involve His creatures in His work.
Just as God uses parents to care for children, teachers to educate, priests to proclaim the Gospel and doctors to bring healing, God uses angels as His servants.
This gives us an important lesson:
God's power often works through persons who are willing to become His instruments.
The question is not only, “What can God do for me?” but also, “What can God do through me?”
*3) St Michael: The power to defend*
St Michael represents the power of standing for God when evil stands against God.
The Book of Revelation says: “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.” — Revelation 12:7
Michael's battle can be understood spiritually. Evil often begins with a small temptation, a lie, pride, jealousy or compromise.
We need a “Michael” within us.
There must be a moment when we say:
“No, I will not lie.”
“No, I will not take revenge.”
“No, I will not destroy another person's reputation.”
“No, I will not compromise my faith for money or popularity.”
The greatest battle may not be happening outside us. It may be happening inside our hearts.
St Michael teaches: A strong Christian is not someone who never faces temptation, but someone who knows when to say “No” to evil.
*4) St Gabriel: The power to communicate God's message*
Gabriel appears as God's messenger. He comes to Mary with an announcement that changes history.
But notice something beautiful: God's message requires Mary's response.
Gabriel says: “Do not be afraid, Mary.” — Luke 1:30
And Mary responds: “Let it be with me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38
We may not be Archangels, but we too are messengers.
A parent can bring God's message to a child.
A teacher can bring encouragement.
A priest can bring the Gospel.
A friend can bring hope to someone who is discouraged.
Sometimes one sentence can change someone's life.
Gabriel carried God's message to Mary. Whose message of hope am I carrying today?
And another important question: Am I carrying God's message—or my own anger, criticism and negativity?
*5) St Raphael: The power of accompanying and healing*
Raphael's story in the Book of Tobit is particularly beautiful because he walks with Tobias.
He does not simply give instructions and disappear. He accompanies him on his journey.
This gives us a profound understanding of God's healing.
Sometimes healing comes through:
a doctor,
a counsellor,
a priest,
a friend,
a family member,
a kind word,
or simply someone who stays beside us.
We can become Raphael for somebody else.
Someone may not need our advice. They may simply need our presence.
“I cannot solve your problem, but I will walk with you.”
That itself can be a ministry of healing.
*6) The Archangels teach us that heaven is not inactive*
Sometimes people imagine heaven as a place where angels simply sing continuously.
But Scripture presents angels as servants and messengers of God.
They worship God, carry out His mission and serve His plan.
This gives us another lesson:
True greatness is not having power over others; it is using whatever power we have in the service of God and others.
A parish priest has authority—but it must become service.
A parent has authority—but it must become care.
A teacher has knowledge—but it must become formation.
A wealthy person has resources—but they can become charity.
*7) Why do we need the Archangels?*
We need them as a reminder of three realities:
We need Michael when we are under temptation. “Lord, give me courage to fight evil.”
We need Gabriel when we are confused. “Lord, help me hear and communicate Your message.”
We need Raphael when we are wounded. “Lord, accompany me and make me an instrument of healing.”
*8) God's Power in Arch Angels*
Perhaps the most important point about the Archangels is this: The power belongs to God.
Michael's strength points to God's victory.
Gabriel's message points to God's Word.
Raphael's healing points to God's mercy.
Therefore, devotion to the Archangels should never stop with admiration for the angels. The angels always point us beyond themselves to God.
“Michael teaches us to stand for God, Gabriel teaches us to speak for God, and Raphael teaches us to walk with God's people. Their power is not their own—it is the power of God working through faithful servants.”
*Three questions for our Reflection*
Michael asks: What evil must I resist?
Gabriel asks: What good news must I proclaim?
Raphael asks: Whom must I accompany?
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
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