September 29, 2009
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
By Beth De Cristofaro
One like a son of man…received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7: 13, 14)
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” (John 1:47)
Piety
I thank you, Yahweh, with all my heart; I sing praise to you before the angels. I worship at your holy temple and praise your name because of your constant love and faithfulness. You will do everything you have promised me; Yahweh, your faith love endures forever. Complete the work that you have begun. (Psalm 138 from Psalms Anew)
Study
Today is the feast of the archangels who are named in Scripture. Their names conjure up images of power, incorruptibility, mystery, total loyalty and splendor. Many religions speak about angels intersecting with humans, often in the role of messenger. Angels in Islam are known as malaikah. It is said that an angel revealed the Qu’uran to Mohammed. In Jewish tradition, companion angels are known as malachim. There are angels in Buddhism, Hinduism and other traditions.
The Roman Catholic Catechism says of angels (in part): E. Para. 350: “Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures: ‘The angels work together for the benefit of us all’” (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I, 114, 3, ad 3). What the catechism also says is: 343 “Man is the summit of the Creator's work, as the inspired account expresses by clearly distinguishing the creation of man from that of the other creatures.” And 344 “There is a solidarity among all creatures arising from the fact that all have the same Creator and are all ordered to his glory”[1]… For all human fascination with angels and their mystical power, humanity is the summit of God’s creative handiwork, and we are by our creation kin to these majestic beings.
Which brings me to Nathaniel. Jesus, before being properly introduced to Nathaniel said: “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” How humbling and awesome to be recognized by the Son of God in such terms. Jesus did not point out power, majesty and mystery but Nathaniel’s basic honesty and integrity. I see Jesus expecting and respecting how Nathaniel’s interior life, a quest for God (as he sits under the fig tree in prayer) is manifest in his life. How he treats others comes from his interior journey of righteousness and holiness. That journey is not the journey of angels but the path of women and men as brothers and sisters of the human God.
Action
Angels are recognized as protectors and guides. Who do we protect and guide not as angels but as co-pilgrims? Would Jesus say of us “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Could you hear such words with humility, accepting then sharing such unconditional love?
It is so much easier to see duplicity in others. Look with honesty; if you detect duplicity propelling you, what will you do for yourself?
If you would like to read more about different religious takes on angels try beliefnet. http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2002/04/You-Say-Malachim-I-Say-Apsaras.aspx?p=2
