Feast of Michael, Raphael and Gabriel – Archangels
John 1: 47-51
Companions on Our Journey

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the heavenly messengers whose names resound throughout salvation history. Each of them embodies a particular way in which God reaches into our lives: Michael, the protector who defends us against evil; Gabriel, the herald of God’s Word, who announces the Good News; and Raphael, the companion and healer, who walks with us in our journeys of suffering. They remind us that God’s love is not distant, but close—active, attentive, and guiding.

In the Gospel we meet Philip, newly called by Jesus, who immediately seeks out his friend Nathanael. Like Gabriel bringing a message of hope, Philip cannot keep silent about the One he has found. Nathanael responds with doubt: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” His scepticism mirrors our own struggles to believe that God can act in ordinary, even unlikely, places. Yet Philip does not argue. With the wisdom of a true evangelist, he simply says: “Come and see.”

This same invitation runs through the mission of the Archangels. Michael’s defense urges us: Come and see the strength of God, who conquers evil. Gabriel’s announcement whispers: Come and see the Word made flesh, who dwells among us. Raphael’s companionship consoles us: Come and see the healing mercy of God, who walks by our side.

It is not arguments that convert hearts, but encounter. Nathanael was not convinced by debate, but by an encounter with Jesus, who read the depths of his heart beneath the fig tree, and revealed Himself as the One who fulfils our deepest longings.

Jesus is the true ladder of Jacob, the bridge between heaven and earth. The Archangels, each in their unique role, guide us along this ladder: Michael strengthens us against the downward pull of sin, Gabriel points us to the Word who lifts us upward, and Raphael steadies us when we stumble on the way. Together, they remind us that we are never alone in the journey of faith.

Pope Francis once prayed: “Michael, help us in our battles; Gabriel, bring us the good news of salvation; Raphael, take us by the hand and guide us on the right path.” This is also our prayer today. May we, like Philip, invite others to come and see. May we, like Nathanael, allow Christ to look into our hearts and fulfil our secret longings. And may the Archangels accompany us always on the ladder that leads to heaven.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025