Some congregations celebrate the festival of St. Michael and All Angels—September 29—each year to affirm and honor the work of God’s messengers working behind the scenes. According to Pastor Philip Pfatteicher, a former campus minister in Pennsylvania, the festival celebrates dimensions of the universe beyond human understanding. While Peace Lutheran Church may not be planning a special St. Michael and All Angels liturgy, let us highlight its festival readings and themes in these challenging days of 2020. Plus, we can use them as a springboard to coming events: Christ the King Sunday, and the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
In the Bible, angels are guardians, representatives of God and unexpected guests. For example, in the narrative of the birth of Jesus, the angel messenger says a Child will be born….and then, a multitude of angels announce His glorious arrival. But in the 21st century? Where and who are these messengers? In these difficult days, many people question their existence.
The readings appointed for this festival however begin to give some reassuring answers. Psalm 103 invites angels, along with all of God’s creation, including you and me, to praise the One who is in Heaven. Angels are our co-worshipers of the mighty God. So, let’s sing with them, together!
Daniel (Chapters 10 and 12) paints the vision of Michael and the angels setting free God’s people from conquering political and religious oppressors. Angels help to bring God’s liberation and we can savor the fruits of Christ’s victories over sin, death and the devil.
Revelation 12: 7-12 accounts the war between Michael the Angel and Satan. The victory is final and Satan is defeated.
When Jesus sends out the apostles (Luke 10) to share the good news of God’s love and forgiveness, he assures them power over every enemy. That gives the apostles joy, humility and confidence to keep going. They know the angels are with them—encouraging—and the apostles don’t lose heart.
Now, how can this festival move us into the coming seasons? Today, even as we struggle with pandemic, financial and social unrest, we know that God’s messengers will be at our side empowering us to seek joy and peace in the distractions of the holiday season as well as address the loneliness and hopelessness in society. Some ideas: Consider art, literature and music as we reflect on the stories of the season. God sends an angel (Matthew 2: 13-15) to guide the Holy Family to safety. Organize a simple family art project to celebrate God’s ever present nature. Also, look for virtual resources and libraries to find art work, icons, choral arrangements, kids’ songs, poetry and stories for all ages. Enjoy. Make and give gifts to loved ones and neighbors. Finally, seek out devotional and prayer books about the work of God’s messengers—the angels—for those who are alone and isolated.
We pray:
Eternal God, you’ve given ministries of angels and mortals in a marvelous plan. Grant mercifully that, as the holy angels are always serving and praising in Heaven that obedient to your command, they help and defend us here on earth. By your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and with the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
(English translation of prayer of the day for San Miguel y Todos Los Angeles, p. 44, Libro y Cantico.)
+++++
Ed Brandt