PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
Tuesday of the 26th
Week OT
The Institute
September 29, 2015
ANGLES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Whenever we’re at Mass we’re reminded of other
creatures of God called angels
Ø
After recalling we praise God in the company of
theses beings, who are in G’s presence constantly, celebrant leads us into Holy, Holy w/ these words…
Ø
“May our
voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn….”
3 SPECIFIC ANGLES +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Today we celebrate 3 archangels, Michael,
Gabriel, and Raphael
Ø
Term “archangel” only 1x in Bible & an honorary
term given 2 angels whose names appear in SS
Ø
Michael means “One who is like a God”
Ø
He is understood as the one who marshals heavenly
power against evil
Ø
Often depicted in warrior mode
Ø
A prayer formerly used after Mass said: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in
battle…”
Ø
Gabriel means “God is strong”
Ø
He’s the 1 who carries messages 2 people like
Mary, Joe, & Zechariah in stories of birth of Jesus
Ø
Raphael means, “God has healed”
Ø
He’s come 2B seen as promoter of health & patron
of medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The word “angel” too limiting because it means “messenger”
in the original Greek
Ø
From SS we know angels serve many functions
Ø
They’re companions, guardians, guides,
overseers, members of the heavenly court, to name a few
Ø
We might think of them as personifications of the
loving presence of God in & among us
Ø
We understand angels best if we think of them as
doing what all of us should be doing for each other,
Ø
That is, serving as the means by which God
heals, comforts, strengthens, helps fellow human being
Ø
That is basic to our Christian faith
Ø
4 God speaks to & comes to us most often
thru kindness & love of R fellow human beings
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
On this feast day of angels, it may be most
appropriate to ask:
Ø
“To whom
this day are we being called, literally, to be a messenger, that is an angel?”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
