Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
Feast of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, the three Archangels mentioned in Sacred Scripture: St. Michael (“Who is like unto God”) as the Prince of the Heavenly Hosts; St. Gabriel (“Strength of God”) as the messenger of divine revelations, principally that of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary; and St. Raphael (“God cures”) as a guide and healer. See also: War of Extermination between Angels and Demons.
Featured Saints
Blessed Charles of Blois, layman (†1364). Duke of Brittany who desired to enter the Franciscan Order but was compelled to reclaim his principality. He endured the tribulation of imprisonment with a steadfast soul and died in battle near Auray, France.
St. John of Dukla, priest (†1484). Polish Franciscan, an apostle of the confessional and of the pulpit.
St. Mauritius, abbot (†1191). He humbly renounced the office of superior in the Cistercian monastery of Langonnet, France, but was shortly after elected abbot of Carnoët.
St. Cyriacus, anchorite (†557). For nearly ninety years he lived in grottos in the vicinity of Bethlehem and was a staunch defender of orthodoxy against the Origenists.
Blessed Nicola di Furca-Palena, priest (†1449). Religious from the Order of Hermits of St. Jerome, he founded the Monastery of St. Onofrio in Rome, where he died at 100 years of age.
Mass Readings
First Reading – Dn 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When He reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He 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.
or – Rv 12:7-12ab
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5 (R.1)
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
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;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name. R.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for You have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, You answered me;
You built up strength within me. R.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to You, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD. R.
Gospel – Jn 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered Him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
