As we celebrate the great Feast of the Archangels, writes Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing, we are told in the Book of Tobit (12:15) that there are seven of these individuals, though, in fact, Sacred Scripture only gives us the names of three: Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael.
What I find most fascinating about any angel is that each one is unique. But, you may say, so are we. And you are correct. It is our physical differences which really demonstrate that uniqueness of each one of us. The angels, however, are pure spirit and so their uniqueness is manifested by their different missions. In other words, it is their relationship to God and God’s Holy Will which distinguishes each angel or archangel for us.
So, Michael is the one whom God sends to be like God, to manifest his action in our world, as we see in the Book of Revelation (12:7). Gabriel is the bearer of God’s strength and message to Mary seeking her “Yes” to being the mother of the savior (Luke1:26-27). And Raphael is on God’s mission to heal.
It seems to me that as we honor these wonderful creatures of our God, that we consider how our own uniqueness is really enhanced by how well we carry out the very specific mission or calling or vocation which God has given to us.