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Michael and All Angels – A Reflection for Michaelmas
On 29 September, the Church celebrated St Michael and All Angels, honouring the heavenly beings who serve as messengers and protectors in God’s divine plan. Chief among them is St Michael the Archangel, often depicted as a warrior defeating evil, reminding us of the spiritual battles we face and the assurance of God’s protection.
This feast invites us to reflect not only on the mystery of angels but also on the heavenly order and the spiritual realm that surrounds us. Angels appear throughout Scripture—guiding, warning, and comforting—and their presence reassures us that we are never alone in our journey of faith.
St John Chrysostom, the great preacher and theologian after whom our church is named, spoke often of angels in his homilies. He taught that angels are present in our worship, especially during the Eucharist, where heaven and earth meet. Chrysostom urged believers to live with reverence, knowing that “the angels are present, and they are watching.”
As we mark Michaelmas, let us be inspired by Chrysostom’s vision of a Church surrounded by angels, and strive to live lives of holiness, courage, and devotion—trusting in the unseen help of God’s messengers.