Catholics In Nigeria

Wonderful Words of Life: Monday, 29th of Sept., 2025. The Archangels (F)
📜Rev. 12:7-12; Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51

Theme: The archangels are our helpers.

“And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (Jn 1:51)

The archangels are the second to the last in the ranks of the heavenly beings, I mean the nine choirs of angels; Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. These heavenly beings are messengers of God. The archangels are known for specific responsibilities in the affairs of humanity. They are three in numbers; Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael means great warrior. He was mentioned at different parts of scripture engaging in battles. In Daniel 10:13, "The Prince of the Kingdom of Persia has been resisting me for twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the Chief Princes, came to my assistance. I have left him confronting the kings of Persia." In Revelation 12:7, we see him again fighting war with the dragon. The second archangel is Raphael, which means God heals. He was sent to bring healing to Tobit and his family. Gabriel, the third archangel, was known to bring good tidings. This we see in Luke 1:11 and 26. Three of these heavenly beings are messengers from God to us to help us in our spiritual needs.

Beloved, we are privileged to be guarded by the heavenly beings as Christians. They are spirit, not visible to our sight but are present. Do we always have recourse to these archangels? How well do we call on their assistance? When we are in spiritual warfare, we should not hesitate to call Michael. Michael will help us to win our spiritual battles. Do not forget to always say prayer to Saint Michael the archangel. When we are sick, we should ask for the intercession of Raphael for divine healing and quick recovery. When we are expecting favor from God, ask Gabriel to bring you good news because he is the carrier of good news.

Lord, send us your archangels always to be on our side to guard us and heal us. Amen

Ss Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel - Pray for us.

Fr. Kevwe A. Unuajohwofia, C.Ss.R

*EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR C)*

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21

*TRUE SECURITY LIES IN GOD AND HEAVEN IS OUR ULTIMATE TREASURE*

Every day, a Christian is faced with the reality of a passing world. A world awash with strife, pain, death and the reality of temperality. Yet, man is lost in the quest for wealth and status. In the midst of this vain quest, man gradually loses the consciousness of the reality of heaven. All indeed is vanity!

In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to live a life in Christ. A life that reflects the image of God where there is no tribal sentiments, class and racial differences. He tells us that if we strip ourselves from the attachment to the things of earth, we will be able to focus on the things of heaven.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that a man's life is not made secure by what he posseses. The scripture says, "Whoever trusts his own wit is a fool, anyone whose ways are wise will be safe"(Prov 28:26). Most times, the undue quest for wealth brings along all kinds of ungodly behaviors like greed, avarice, bribery, manipulation, oppression, and stealing. Are these vices the kind of treasure a man claims to store up from his exploits? The Lord wants us to store up good works as treasures for the kingdom. This will grant us the true security that we desire.

In all, true security comes from the Lord and our treasure is heaven. The psalmist says, "Our help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:2).

May the Lord grant us the grace to seek his kingdom and its righteousness. Amen.

Fr Michael Eihebhoria, C.Ss.R