OUR ANGEL: ST. MICHAEL (FATHER’S FAITH NOTES: SEPTEMBER 12, 2021)
For the remaining weeks leading up to our feast day, I want to focus more specifically on St. Michael the Archangel himself. St. Michael is one of the few angels who is referenced by name and who appears multiple times in scripture. He is referred to in Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; and Revelation 12:7. He appears as the protector of God’s people and the leader of the battle against Satan and the fallen angels. His name “Michael” means, “Who is like God?” It is a rhetorical question that points out his role in protecting God’s honor from all those (Satan, in particular) who pretend to be like gods themselves.
St. Michael is referred to as an “archangel”, which indicates a higher rank. He is spoken of in scripture as the “great prince of the angels”. That said, tradition is a bit ambiguous on his status. Some Fathers of the Church place him as the highest of all angels, which would seem in keeping with him being the one who combats Satan, the chief of the fallen angels. Others place him lower, as the prince of the archangels, the second lowest rank in the traditional ranking of the choirs. Regardless of his placement, his role for us is clear – he is the most important of the angels who work to protect and guide us along life’s journey. Unlike, say Guardian Angels, that are assigned only to one person, or other angels that may be connected to a certain nation, place, or group of people, St. Michael is the protector of all humanity.
What a blessing to have and to celebrate such a heavenly patron.
Have a blessed week, Fr. Michael