Today we celebrate three Archangels whose names already tell us something beautiful about God.
Michael — “Who is like God?”
Gabriel — “God is my strength.”
Raphael — “God heals.”
And from these three Archangels, I would like to offer three simple invitations: Stand for what is right. Speak words of hope. Help heal the wounded.
Like Michael: Stand for what is right.
In the Book of Revelation, Michael and his angels fight against the dragon. It is a powerful image of the struggle between good and evil.
We may not see dragons walking around now, but the battle between good and evil continues—in our hearts, in our families, in our communities, and in society.
Whenever we are tempted to lie because lying is easier, to cheat because others are doing it, to compromise our conscience for money or convenience, or to remain silent when we know something is wrong, we are already facing a spiritual battle.
Saint Paul tells us: “Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
My dear brothers and sisters, doing what is right will sometimes cost us something. Honesty can cost us an opportunity. Forgiveness can cost us our pride. Standing for the truth can make us unpopular.
But like Michael, we must always remember: God comes first.
Like Gabriel: bring Good News.
When Gabriel came to Mary, he said: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).
Gabriel was a messenger of hope.
Today, all of us are messengers. Every time we speak, send a message, post something online, or share something on social media, we are spreading something.
The question is: What are we spreading?
There is already enough anger, gossip, misinformation, criticism, and hurtful language in our world.
Before we speak, post, or share, perhaps we should ask: Is it true? Is it helpful? Will it bring light rather than darkness?
And let us not underestimate the power of a simple encouraging word:
“I am praying for you.”
“Do not give up.”
“You are not alone.”
“God is with you.”
Like Gabriel, let us become messengers of hope.
3. LIKE RAPHAEL: HELP HEAL THE WOUNDED.
In the Book of Tobit, Raphael accompanies Tobias on his journey. He walks with him, guides him, protects him, and eventually becomes an instrument of God’s healing.
Raphael teaches us something very important: Sometimes healing begins simply by walking with someone.
There are many wounded people around us. Some wounds are visible, but many are hidden.
Someone may be smiling at Mass while carrying a serious family problem. A young person may appear happy online but feel terribly lonely inside. An elderly parent may not need money but simply longs for a visit. A friend may not need our advice; perhaps that person simply needs someone who will listen.
We cannot solve everyone’s problems. But we can listen, accompany, encourage, pray, and be present. And sometimes, that is already the beginning of healing.
My dear brothers and sisters, we cannot solve every problem. We cannot heal every wounded heart. We cannot help everyone.
But we can help one.
One person who needs encouragement. One family that needs our presence. One young person who needs someone to listen. One elderly person who needs a visit. One wounded heart that needs kindness.
And perhaps, for that one person, you can become God’s angel.
So today, let us ask Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael to teach us: Like Michael, stand for what is right. Like Gabriel, speak words of hope. Like Raphael, help heal the wounded.
And through our lives, may the people around us experience that God still protects, God still speaks, and God still heals.