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Saturday, September 29, 2007

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Sts. Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael


Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or
Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 138
John 1:47-51

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god's swat team

"Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven." —Revelation 12:7-8

Angels, being invisible, are hard for us to understand. However, angels do take on bodies. This at least gives us a clue regarding the mentality of the angels. Angels usually appear in the Bible either as the average man (Heb 13:2), or as gigantic creatures (Rv 19:17). As far as I know, they never appear as fat little babies with wings.

This common picture of angels tells us more about our confused state of mind than about angels. Angels are formidable creatures who will attack demons. They do not just float around on clouds and occasionally resist Satan. Aggressively they take the offensive against Satan, who desperately tries to defend himself (Rv 12:7).

Therefore, spiritual warfare is nothing for us to hang our heads about but to rejoice in. Satan is the one who should be depressed about spiritual warfare. He's the loser. We, along with the angels, are "more than conquerors" in Jesus (Rm 8:37).

Prayer:  Father, may I get to know the three archangels personally and talk to them daily. "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us on this day of battle..."

Promise:  "I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." —Jn 1:51

Praise:  "God commissioned me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tb 12:14-15).

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Spiritual Warfare, or our tape on audio AV 57-3 or video V-57.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007

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