Today is the feast of the Archangels. The Bible provides the name of three: Gabriel means God is my strength. Michael translates as “who is like God?” Raphael equals God heals. Theologians describe angels as having a function, not a nature. In other words, the work of angels is simply an extension of the work of God. The most popular angel is Michael, beloved in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In certain Catholic circles devotion to Michael is increasing because of his role in defending the Church from forces hostile to God. 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. We too are protected by God in ways unknown.
