On the Feast of Saint Michael and the Archangels, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula urged the faithful to become an angel to other people.
In his homily during Mass on September 29, at the National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels in Manila, Cardinal Advincula encouraged the people to be like angels who bring others closer to the Lord.
“Hinahamon tayo ng ating patron na maging anghel din sa ibang tao; na maging tugon sa kanilang mapapait na panalangin; na magdala ng paghilom at hindi ng pananakit panunugat; na magpamulat sa liwanag ng Diyos; at maging kalakbay na presensya ng Diyos sa kanilang buhay,” said Cardinal Advincula.
The Archbishop of Manila told the faithful that the feast of the archangels allows them to become aware that aside from the angels, temptations are around and may lead them to sin.
“Minumulat tayo ng ating kapistahan na hindi lamang mga anghel ang nakasubaybay at naka-antabay sa ating buhay. Mayroon ding puwersa ng kasamaan na nakikiisa at nakikilahok sa ating buhay, naka-abang sa bawat nating pagkilos, at nanunukso upang mahulog tayo sa kasalanan,” he said.
The Cardinal added that aside from human weaknesses and shortcomings, sometimes skills and abilities hinder the faithful to walk on the path towards the Lord.
“Kung minsan ang ating liwanag, galing, at talino ang siyang nagiging hadlang upang makilakbay nang lubos sa Diyos at sa ating kapwa. Harinawa, mas pakinggan natin ang bulong ng mga anghel kaysa sa tukso ng mga demonyo,” he said.
The feast of the three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Rafael is celebrated every 29th of September.
According to the website of Catholic Online, Saint Michael the Archangel is the leader of all angels and the army of God. He is the “Prince of the Heavenly Host” and has four main responsibilities – 1) first to combat Satan; 2) to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death; 3) to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself; 4) to call men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgment. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC | Photos by Genieve Genuino and Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC)
