Nathanael may have been able to see angels, but the Lord doesn't choose to give this ability to most of us. One of the great things about archangels and angels is that they are invisible. Although we can see the effects of their actions, it is usually unclear what the angels are doing. For the most part, angels are a matter of faith, not sight (2 Cor 5:7).

Michael has warred and continues to war against Satan and his demons (see Rv 12:7). Due to Jesus' ultimate victory through His death and resurrection, the war against Satan is already won. All that Michael and we have left to do is to put Jesus' enemies beneath His feet (Heb 10:13). Nevertheless, we don't always or easily see the victory of Jesus, nor do we see Michael merely mopping up after the war.

Gabriel revealed and reveals to us the Incarnation and its colossal consequences. In the Spirit, we can "grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love" (Eph 3:18). Yet how many of us feel we are basking in the light of divine revelation through Gabriel's ministry?

Raphael is sent by the Lord to do many things, especially to heal. He particularly heals the eyes. Many of you are sick. You have asked the Lord to heal you. You may have even asked Raphael to bring healing to you. But you don't see healing.

We must walk by faith, not by sight. God is loving us through the archangels, whether we know it or not. Believe God.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003