Gospel: September 29, 2025
September 29, 2025 (Monday)
Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archanghels
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord
1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (or Revelation 12:7-12a)
Gospel: John 1:47-51
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, “Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.” Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?” And Jesus said to him, “Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.” Nathanael answered, “Master, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!” But Jesus replied, “You believe because I said, ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ But you will see greater things than that. Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Reflection:
“Messenger”
The Feast of the Archangels reminds us that God’s creation extends to the realm of the spiritual and that heaven and earth are closer than we often imagine. Angels get their name from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger.” They are spiritual beings created by God and dedicated to his service. That service is to praise God and to be an instrument of his will, by communicating it and by prompting people to choose the good. This choice of the good supported by angels is what is known as discernment of spirits. The names of the archangels reflect God their Maker. Michael means “Who is like God?,” Gabriel signifies “God is my strength” and Raphael means “God heals.” In Revelation, Michael subdues Satan, who seeks in vain to overthrow God and take his place. Gabriel, communicates the joyous news of the Incarnation, showing that we are to trust in God as our rock and our salvation, since he is steadfast in his love. Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit as the companion of Tobias and healer of Tobit, showing how God’s guidance and healing touch our lives. We praise God for his creation and ask the help of the Archangels.
