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Commentary on the Gospel of September 29, 2025
Saints Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, Archangels
Angels going up and down
In today’s readings we hear about angels going up and down, as a sign of God’s great works. In our society today, there seem to be two almost opposite views about angels: some people flat out deny their existence, thinking of them as “unscientific.” Others use angel images in a sentimental or even cheesy way, like in sweet greeting cards.
The truth is that what we celebrate today has very little to do with either of those extremes. Instead, it is much more a reflection on how God acts in the world through three ways—almost like commands—for all who want to be “angels,” meaning his messengers. Gabriel represents the direct announcement of salvation, of the central mystery of our faith: the Incarnation of the Son of God. Raphael is the one who walks with people in hard times and difficult journeys. Michael is the one who fights against evil. That’s no small thing!
These three actions of God through his messengers are a call to all of us. First, to recognize and give thanks for God’s action. Then, to practice those same works in our own lives. Proclaiming the Gospel openly, making God present in our world, can be hard today. Every day we hear news—though not always as clearly or strongly as we should—of new martyrs of the faith. And though we don’t hear about them as much, there are also those everyday witnesses who are criticized, mocked, or harassed for their faith. (Maybe we ourselves should be among them, but sometimes we hold back because of fear of what others might say.)
Walking with others, suffering with them, and guiding them to the truth is also difficult. It requires time, effort, and self-denial.
And fighting against evil—which might be the hardest of all—means first of all resisting temptation in ourselves, defending the truth, and standing up against injustice.
Raphael, Michael, and Gabriel, the angels who “go up and down,” really do exist. And they challenge us to become Raphaels, Michaels, and Gabriels in our world today.