LIVES WHICH NEED ANGELS

Jesus “went on to tell them, ‘I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’ ” –John 1:51

Mass Readings: September 29
First: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14; Resp: Psalm 138:1-5; Gospel: John 1:47-51

The Lord loves you perfectly, and He wants to show His love for you by sending Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and other angels to be more active in your life. For angels to be very active in our lives, we must have lives which fit into the job descriptions of archangels and angels. We need lives of discipleship, holiness, and evangelization. We need to love so deeply and courageously that we are worthy of being persecuted. Angels are especially active in helping persecuted Christians (see Acts 12:7ff; 5:19; Lk 22:43). In effect, we need the Holy Spirit to be as active as possible in our lives.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17). He is “Power from on high” (Lk 24:49; see also Acts 1:8). He produces the fruit of love, joy, and peace (Gal 5:22). Lives teeming with truth, power, and love are occasions made for angels. When the Holy Spirit is moving, Michael wields his sword, Gabriel announces God’s message, and Raphael guides and heals. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, the angelic spirits have a place to work. Come, Holy Spirit!

PRAYER: Father, in this Year of Mercy, may archangels and angels need to be extremely active.

PROMISE: “I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing Your praise.” –Ps 138:1-2

PRAISE: St. Gabriel the Archangel was the first creature in recorded history to speak the name of Jesus (Lk 1:31).