This week marks the celebration of Michaelmas, a traditional Roman Catholic and Christian feast day honoring three angels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Michael and Gabriel are present within the traditional canon of Scripture, while Raphael is mentioned in apocryphal literature. Michael is named “archangel” in the book of Jude, and is described throughout scripture as an army commander who battles Satan and the forces of darkness. In reading about this day, I learned that because Michaelmas falls at the turning of the seasons, the protection of Michael is called upon as our days lengthen in darkness and the light grows shorter. A true and rich celebration of Michaelmas insists that we take angels seriously. But do we?

Learning about Michaelmas has left me pondering:

When is the last time I really considered the reality of angels?

The good news of the Gospel was first proclaimed on earth by angels—to Mary, Joseph, and later the shepherds. The word “angel” comes from the Greek word ángelos, which means “messenger". Our word “gospel” comes from the Greek euangelion, which means “good message.” To share this good message is to euangelizō, or to “evangelize.” Do you see the connection? I love that the word angel simply means “messenger,” though there is certainly more complexity to them than a heavenly errand person. We partake in the holy work of angels when we proclaim the good message of the gospel—yet in my experience, angels have been reduced to fluffy fat babies who sit on clouds playing stringed instruments. I wonder if angels are so difficult to integrate into our modern experience that we’ve simply dismissed them, relegating them to “Bible times.”

If you were asked what role angels have played in your spiritual formation, what would you say?

When I attempted to answer this question for myself, I thought of the angelic encounters I’m aware of in the Bible:

-Angels guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden with flaming swords. (Genesis 3:24)

-Three men described as “the LORD” visit Abraham and tell him he and Sarah will have a son. (Genesis 18)

-In the corrupt city of Sodom, Abraham’s nephew Lot provides hospitality and shelter for two angels, who later spare him and his family from destruction. (Genesis 19)

-An angel appears to Hagar in the desert, comforts her, and tells her she will have a son. (Genesis 16:7-15)

-The Prophet Daniel receives a vision from an angel who also tells him about the spiritual warfare activity of the angel Michael. (Daniel 10)

-The Psalmist writes of angels who protect God’s people. (Psalm 91:11-13)

-Zechariah meets Gabriel, who tells him he and Elizabeth will have a son named John. (Luke 1:11-20)

-Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will give birth to the savior of the world. (Luke 1:26-38)

-An angel encourages Mary’s fiancée, Joseph, to marry her. (Matthew 1:18-25)

-Angels appear to the shepherds, announcing Jesus’ birth. (Luke 2:8-15)

-An angel warns Joseph in a dream about the murderous intentions of King Herod. (Matthew 2:13-15)

-Angels minister to Jesus in the desert after being tempted by Satan. (Matthew 4:11)

-Angels meet Mary Magdalene at Jesus’ tomb to share the good news of the resurrection. (John 20:11-15)

-Alllll the angels in Revelation, worshiping God and carrying out his bidding. (Revelation 5:11-12)

From start to finish, the Biblical narrative is filled with the presence and activity of angels.

I read the Bible very literally as a girl, never questioning that the divine and angelic encounters I saw in Scripture could happen to me, too. I had such a longing for angels—such a desire for my faith to be sight, to know that I truly was cherished and protected by unseen heavenly beings.

When did I stop believing that, and why?

Even if I never see an angel in this lifetime, the angels of Scripture show me the truth: God’s heart is to protect, comfort, warn, speak to, and bring joy to his people in countless ways. One of these ways is through angels.

Is this any less true of God today?

The following poem is my search for an answer to this question.
May you receive it with childlike faith, trusting that one day, our faith will be sight.
And with all of heaven we too will sing, Holy, Holy, Holy.

* * *

On Michaelmas, to the Archangels

Where have all the angels gone?
You shining ones who announce your burning presence
With that holy disclaimer, “Fear not!”
Host of heaven, where are you hiding?
If ever we needed you, it is now.

Weary prophets, barren women, lonely shepherds: unto these
You proclaimed euangelion beyond their wildest imaginings.
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael,
I roll your heraldic names like marbles on my tongue;
What I would give for a single burning coal instead.

It is said that men have entertained you, unaware;
So I look for you around every corner, holding
The chance of your appearing each time
The light reflects on wet pavement, each time
A feather falls or a stranger asks for bread.

Centuries of western skepticism taught me
To view you from a distance, implausible
Beings wrapped in fable and mist.
If faith precedes sight, then we are surely doomed.
Yet in this our hour of desperation, I wonder: Do you believe in us?

O angels of mercy,
Evangelize me.