St. Michael and All Angels

Genesis 28:10-17

Today, September 29, is the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas.  It is a major holiday in many other parts of the world.

Angels are mentioned frequently in the Bible.  But they are not always described as cute and child-like with flapping wings.  In fact, there is nothing about the description of Michael making war on the Devil in Revelation.  Literally, the word “angel” means, “messenger.”  And it is as messengers that they come to Jacob in his dream.

So, have you ever seen an angel?  Is that angel in the photograph?  What about the widow who offered that breadline during the Great Depression?   I know some people who have seen angels, and just because I haven’t seen one face to face (as far as I know) doesn’t discount the experience of those who have.  For those who don’t think they’ve seen one face to face, then ask yourself: when have I received a message, in a dream, in a very strong intuition, that was so vivid and compelling that it could not be ignored?  Perhaps that was your angelic messenger.

I’ll have more to say on this at the Eucharist tonight.  But for now, take a little time today to recall the messages you have received, however normally they seemed to come to you, and see how different your life might have been if not for that message.  The give thanks to God for his holy messengers.  See you tonight.