Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Alex Vitualia SVD
September 29 – Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the Archangels
A widowed grandmother, Lola Corazon, celebrated her seventy-fifth birthday. Her twelve grown-up children organized a grand family gathering. All forty-four of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came. No one wanted to miss the occasion. There was abundant food, gifts, laughter, and gratitude. Seated at the center of the celebration, Lola Corazon received one family member after another.
Her eldest grandson approached her, kissed her, handed her a gift, and said:
“Lola Corazon, thank you for your love and affection. You have cared for all of us since we were young. What amazes me most is that, despite your age, you still remember and call each of us by name—all forty-four of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren!”
The grandmother smiled and replied:
“Juanito, how can I love you if I do not know you?”
There is a profound truth in her answer. Love begins with knowing. We cherish those whom we know by name, whose stories are written in our hearts.
So it is with God. He loves each one of us because He knows us personally. Through the prophet Isaiah, He says:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
God’s love is never vague or impersonal. He knows our joys and sorrows, our strengths and weaknesses, our hopes and fears. The Psalmist marvels at this intimate knowledge:
“O Lord, you have probed me and you know me” (Psalm 139:1).
Such was the experience of Nathanael in today’s Gospel. Before Nathanael even met Jesus, the Lord already knew him:
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48).
This unexpected revelation moved Nathanael to faith. He exclaimed:
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49).
Nathanael encountered not merely a teacher but the God who knew him completely and loved him personally. From that moment, he followed and served the Lord.
Today we celebrate the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These heavenly messengers know God, worship Him, and faithfully carry out His will.
- Michael proclaims God’s sovereignty and defeats the forces of evil (Revelation 12:7-9).
- Gabriel announces God’s saving plan, especially in the Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
- Raphael accompanies, guides, and heals in the Book of Tobit (Tobit 12:15).
Their greatness comes not from power or rank but from their faithful service to the God whom they know and love.
The lesson for us is clear: the more we know the Lord, the more we love Him; and the more we love Him, the more we desire to serve Him.
Jesus Himself taught:
“This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ” (John 17:3).
Let us therefore strive to know the Lord through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and daily fidelity to His will. Let us allow Him to call us by name, and let us respond with generous hearts.
Like Nathanael and the holy Archangels, may we recognize the Lord’s presence, proclaim His greatness, and lovingly serve the King of kings.
For the God who knows us by name is the same God who loves us without measure. And to know that we are known and loved by Him is one of life’s greatest blessings.
Prayer
Lord God, You know each of us by name and love us with an everlasting love. Through the intercession of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, help us to know You more deeply, love You more faithfully, and serve You more generously. May our lives reflect Your goodness and lead others closer to You. Amen.
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