“Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: you that are mighty in strength, and do His will.”
— Introitus, Missa de S. Michaële Archangelo
Today’s sacred liturgy, the Feast of the Dedication of Saint Michael the Archangel, draws our attention heavenward. In the grandeur of a first-class feast, Holy Church sets before us a vision of celestial majesty, militant obedience, and childlike humility. Through the lens of Apocalypse 1:1–5 and Matthew 18:1–10, we contemplate the mystery of angelic service and divine glory, calling us to humility and vigilance, in imitation of the angels and in communion with their warfare against the ancient dragon.
I. The Heavenly Vision (Apocalypse 1:1–5)
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to make known to His servants the things which must shortly come to pass…” (Apoc. 1:1)
The Book of the Apocalypse opens with a vision that is profoundly liturgical and angelic. St. John is the seer, the prophet who “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Apoc. 1:10). The sacred drama begins not with fear, but with revelation — a gift from the Father to the Son, and thence to His servant John.
St. Bede the Venerable notes that Apocalypse is “a revelation not only of things future, but of the invisible battle being waged in the spiritual realm.” It is fitting that today, on St. Michael’s feast, we begin with this vision. For Michael, whose name means Who is like unto God?, is the central figure in the heavenly warfare described in Apocalypse 12 — and this first chapter prefigures the whole.
Christ is revealed as the “faithful witness,” the “first begotten of the dead,” and “Prince of the kings of the earth.” To Him be glory and dominion forever. The Church Fathers emphasize that this is not a passive vision. It is the proclamation of Christ’s Lordship over all, including the angelic hosts. According to St. Irenaeus, “The angels are subject to Him, not as equals, but as ministers who fulfill His will in the economy of salvation.”
And who leads these celestial ministers? Michael — prince of the heavenly host, the one who casts Lucifer from the heavens.
II. Angelic Innocence and the Childlike Heart (Matthew 18:1–10)
“Unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3)
If the Apocalypse opens with awe and vision, today’s Gospel from St. Matthew draws us into the paradox of the kingdom: greatness in heaven comes through littleness on earth.
The apostles ask who is greatest. Christ answers by placing a child in their midst. St. Hilary of Poitiers remarks: “He calls to humility those who desire the glory of apostleship.” And more than that — He warns them of scandal: “Woe to the world because of scandals… See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Here, the mystery of the angels and children converge. Not only are we called to become like children, but children themselves are under the watchful gaze of the angelic host. St. Jerome, commenting on this passage, says:
“How great is the value of the soul, that every single person has from birth an angel assigned to him for his protection!”
This is a direct affirmation of the Church’s teaching on guardian angels — each soul, from the moment of its creation, is accompanied by an angel, a minister of divine providence. Yet it is not a generic protection — it is personal, specific, and enduring. And these angels, says Our Lord, “see the face of My Father.”
This is a profound theological statement. The angels serve on earth without ceasing to behold the beatific vision. They guard us while glorifying God.
III. Michael: Prince of the Angels and Protector of Souls
St. Michael stands at the head of the angelic ranks. He is invoked in every Mass of the Roman Rite, and he is mentioned in the ancient Confiteor. In today’s feast, he is honored not only for who he is — but for what he does.
St. Gregory the Great teaches:
“Whenever anything of particular importance is to be done, Michael is sent, so that his action and name may make it clear that no one can do what God alone has the power to do.”
Michael’s role is both cosmic and personal. He defends the Church; he defends the individual soul at the hour of death. The Roman Officium Defunctorum (Office of the Dead) pleads: “May the standard-bearer Michael lead thee into the holy light.”
On this feast, we are reminded that the angels are not quaint imagery — they are real. They are warriors, messengers, and guardians. And Michael, first among them, leads the battle.
IV. Spiritual Lessons for Today
- Seek Revelation, Not Sensation. Like St. John, we are called to receive what is revealed — not to chase after signs or novelties, but to read the signs of the times with eyes illumined by the Faith. The liturgy, Scripture, and Tradition reveal what we need to know.
- Pursue Humility. In a world intoxicated with pride and self-assertion, Our Lord points us to the child. The path to heaven is not power, but purity — not ambition, but abandonment to the Father’s will.
- Revere the Angels. We are never alone. The angel assigned to guard our soul is vigilant, present, and powerful. Cultivate devotion to your Guardian Angel. And more so, invoke St. Michael daily — as the Church has long exhorted — in the battle against evil.
Conclusion: “Who is like unto God?”
As we kneel before the altar today, let us remember that we are surrounded by angels. In the Canon of the Mass, we join them in saying Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus. At every Mass, heaven touches earth — and St. Michael, as protector of the Church, is there.
Let us imitate the angels in their obedience, their humility, and their adoration. And let the words of the Communio be our prayer:
“Benedicite, omnes Angeli Domini, Dominum: hymnum dicite, et superexaltate eum in saecula.”
(Bless the Lord, all ye His angels: sing a hymn to Him, and exalt Him forever.)
Quis ut Deus?
— St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.