Today is September 29, the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.
We read at today’s Mass, “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” (Rev 12:7-9).
St. Carlo Acutis knew that holiness means entering into a battle. He once said, “After the holy Eucharist, the holy Rosary is the most powerful weapon for fighting the devil and the shortest ladder for climbing into heaven.” He understood that the strength to resist temptation comes from Christ himself. Carlo was not naïve about evil. He saw how sin distorts lives, how addiction to technology or pleasure can enslave us and how Satan tries to separate us from God.
Weapons of grace
The Archangels remind us of this same reality. St. Michael defends us against the Enemy who prowls about seeking the ruin of souls. St. Gabriel speaks God’s truth, cutting through the devil’s lies with the light of the Gospel. St. Raphael brings God’s healing where sin has wounded us. Their mission is not imaginary; it is part of the real, unseen battle that surrounds every Christian.
Like Carlo, we are called to fight with the weapons of grace: prayer, the sacraments and trust in God. He did not let the shadows of evil intimidate him, because he knew that Christ’s victory is sure. The Archangels still fight on our side. Our task is to stand firm, clothed with faith, ready to resist the darkness.
Let us pray,
O God, who dispose in marvelous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
*Unfortunately, we have had further technical issues with the video recordings of My Daily Visitor. Please enjoy the recovered audio for your daily prayer and reflection.
