On 29 September the Church celebrates St Michael and All Angels. Holy Scripture witnesses tells us that in addition to human beings God also created invisible beings known as angels (from the Greek word for ‘messengers’). Throughout the Bible they are presented as servants at the throne of God, sent out to do his bidding, reveal his truth, and protect human beings in their life in the world. Several are actually named: Michael (their chief) who is said to have defeated Satan in a cosmic contest and Gabriel (sent to announce to Mary that she was to be Mother of the Messiah).
Throughout the Church’s worship they are described as singing the liturgy of heaven: our earthly worship is a participation in their heavenly praise of God. Yet Scripture also warns us that they are only created beings, servants appointed to do the will of God: there must therefore be no superstitious grovelling before angels or worship of them – God alone is to be adored! In his Ascension Jesus was exalted above the angels because he is the eternal Son of God made flesh; and Mary his Mother is hailed in the Eastern Churches as ‘higher than the angels’, because of her unique vocation to give birth to the Messiah. Today’s festival honours the angels and asks God to continue to guide us through their support.
Collect
Everlasting God,
you have ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order:
grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven,
so, at your command,
they may help and defend us on earth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
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