Wednesday

29

September

SS Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

White

St Michael is mentioned in the Apocalypse as the leader of the heavenly host; St Gabriel appears in Daniel and was also the bearer of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Raphael in the Book of Tobit heals Tobit of his blindness.  His name means God heals.

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 102: 20

Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.

Collect

O God, who dispose in marvellous order, ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Psalm: 137:1-5

R/     In the presence of the angels I will bless you, O Lord.

1. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart: you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple.

2. I thank you for your faithfulness and love, which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul.

3. All earth’s kings shall thank you when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the Lord’s ways: ‘How great is the glory of the Lord!’

Gospel Acclamation: Ps 102:21

Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, his servants who do his will. Alleluia!

Gospel: John 1:47-51

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. So you will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’

Prayer over the Offerings

We offer you a sacrifice of praise, O Lord, humbly entreating, that as these gifts are borne by the ministry of Angels into the presence of your majesty, so you may receive them favourably and make them profitable for our salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Ps 137: 1

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the Angels I will praise you.

Prayer after Communion

Having been nourished with heavenly Bread, we beseech you humbly, O Lord, that, drawing from it new strength, under the faithful protection of your Angels, we may advance boldly along the way of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

The Gospel tells us about the angels of God. We profess in the Creed that we believe in God, creator of all things visible and invisible. The “invisible” refers to the spirits. The Catechism teaches that the existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. We thank God for these powerful beings, and unite with them to give glory to God. We must also remember to always ask for their assistance.