St Michael the Archangel and the spiritual battle
Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
The first reading from the Prophet Daniel today begins with the words: “At that time, Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people”.
The ‘Michael’ referred to is the Archangel Michael. His name means, ‘who is like God’.
While he is explicitly referred to twice in the Book of Daniel, he is supposed to be the angel which Joshua encountered at the time of the fall of Jericho. Joshua, we are told, “looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand” (Joshua 5:13). Michael the Archangel is often depicted with sword in hand. He engages in battle with the spiritual forces of Satan. This is the image of him given to us in the Book of Revelations where he and his angels do battle with the dragon who is identified as Satan (Rev 12:7-9).
The common depiction of Michael the Archangel in Catholic iconography is him with sword in hand standing over a defeated Satan, often depicted as a dragon.
In our reading today, we are told that he will act as spiritual protector of the people of Israel. Thus, he has been seen as a protector of Christians in the struggle against the forces of darkness. Throughout Christian history various people have attested to his help in times of need. He has often been invoked not only in times of battle, but also as a healer.
Devotion to him has been consistent over Christian history, and there are many shrines and churches dedicated to him. In Ireland there is a site known as Skellig Michael – an island off the South West of Ireland that served as an important centre for Irish monks for centuries. It was named after the angel Michael who according to legend helped St Patrick rid Ireland of snakes.
There is the well-known Mont Saint-Michel on the west coast of France. Above the island town is a dramatic monastery, on the spire of its church is a golden image of St Michael, sword in hand.
The prayer to St Michael the Archangel that Catholics are quite familiar with was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1884. He required that it be said by the whole Church at the end of Low Mass. Pope Leo sensed that the Church was under great spiritual attack and engaged the whole Church in seeking the intercession of St Michael the Archangel.
While the prayer is no longer said at the end of Mass it has remained a prayer dear to Catholics. In fact, St John Paul II (1994) recommended its use saying, “May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle that the Letter to the Ephesians speaks of: ‘Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might’ (Eph 6:10)”. The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St Michael the Archangel (cf. Rev 12:7).
The Pope added, “Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world”. We are all only too aware of the many forces of darkness that stalk our society and world. We do not only contend with human evil, but with powerful spiritual forces that threaten humanity. There is an intense spiritual battle that rages. This battle is beyond our powers, we need heavenly assistance.
For those who have the eyes of faith, we need to draw on heavenly powers to assist us and all humanity in this battle. Thus, we turn to St Michael the Archangel and invoke his spiritual agency.
In his letter to the Ephesians St Paul emphasised that we are all engaged in a spiritual battle. He said, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:10-13).
Thus, let us hear again the words from our first reading: “At that time, Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people”. Michael the Archangel has been entrusted by God to “mount guard” over the People of God. He is there as our powerful protector in the spiritual war.
I recommend that we all make use of the prayer to St Michael composed by Pope Leo XIII often, that we might stand strong in the spiritual battle that rages around us.
Blessed Michael, the archangel,
defend us in the hour of conflict.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil
May God restrain him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God thrust Satan down to hell
and with him those other wicked spirits
who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Archbishop Julian Porteous
Sunday, 17 November 2024