In the Spirit of the XIX Sunday after Pentecost: The Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel
As we reflect on the readings of Apocalypse 1:1-5 and Matthew 18:1-10 on the XIX Sunday after Pentecost, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, reminding us of the cosmic struggle between good and evil and the heavenly aid given to us by God.
Apocalypse 1:1-5: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The first verses of the Apocalypse (or Revelation) remind us that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. St. John is given a vision of things that “must soon take place,” revealing the sovereignty of God over time and history. He emphasizes Christ as the “faithful witness,” “the firstborn of the dead,” and “the ruler of kings on earth.”
The Church Fathers emphasized the importance of this vision. St. Irenaeus, in Against Heresies, highlights that this revelation given to John is the final testimony to Christ’s victory over sin and death. It is not only a prophecy about the end times but a timeless unveiling of the ultimate reality of God’s plan for salvation.
St. Michael the Archangel is a key figure in this cosmic battle. As mentioned later in the book of Revelation (Apoc 12:7), he leads the heavenly host in the battle against the dragon (Satan). His role is deeply connected to the message of Christ’s victory. The Church Fathers, including St. Gregory the Great, saw St. Michael’s mission as a powerful protector of the faithful, ever vigilant in the war against the powers of darkness. His name, meaning “Who is like God?” is a battle cry against pride, the same pride that caused the fall of Lucifer.
Matthew 18:1-10: Becoming Like Children
In the Gospel reading from Matthew 18, Jesus teaches the disciples a profound lesson about humility. When they ask Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus places a child in their midst and declares, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3).
The child represents purity, humility, and total dependence on God. St. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on Matthew, emphasizes that the simplicity of a child is the model for all Christians. The path to greatness in God’s eyes is not through ambition or power but through humility and trust in His providence.
This call to humility ties deeply into the feast of St. Michael. As an archangel, St. Michael demonstrates the ultimate obedience and humility before God. Though endowed with immense power, he serves entirely at God’s command. The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, often commented on how the fall of Lucifer was a direct result of pride, while St. Michael stands as a symbol of faithful humility and submission to the divine will.
Furthermore, in Matthew 18:10, Jesus warns against despising the “little ones,” stating that “their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.” This passage has been understood by the Fathers, including St. Jerome, as a reference to guardian angels, emphasizing God’s care for the humble and the weak. St. Michael, as a protector of God’s people, is a fitting symbol of this divine guardianship, reminding us that God’s angels are constantly watching over us and interceding on our behalf.
The Spirit of Humility and Protection
As we celebrate the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, we are reminded of the dual themes of humility and divine protection in both the readings and the liturgical focus. The Apocalypse points us to the victorious reign of Christ, and St. Michael’s role in that victory is both as a warrior and a guardian, fighting on our behalf against the forces of evil. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to embrace humility like children and reassures us of angelic guardianship, a reflection of God’s constant care for His people.
St. Michael stands at the intersection of these readings, embodying humility in his submission to God’s will and power in his fight against the forces of darkness. As St. Gregory the Great noted, St. Michael’s victory is not his own but the triumph of God’s justice. Therefore, we are called to imitate both the childlike humility described by Christ and the courage of St. Michael, relying not on our own strength but on God’s grace.
Let us pray that through the intercession of St. Michael, we may have the strength to combat the spiritual forces that seek to lead us away from God, and the humility to trust in His divine providence in all things.
Conclusion
The readings from Apocalypse 1:1-5 and Matthew 18:1-10 teach us profound truths about the nature of God’s kingdom. We are reminded that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven comes not from power but from humility. St. Michael, whose feast we celebrate, exemplifies this truth through his humility in service and his defense of God’s people. Let us strive to follow his example, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His protection over us.
Through the prayers of St. Michael, may we walk in humility and strength, ever mindful of the heavenly aid granted to us in our journey toward eternal life.