מִיכָאֵל

Today is the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, a day near and dear to my heart. Not just my saint day, it is the day I was installed as bishop. I am thankful to Robert Moore, Albert LeDoux, Pam Tamburello, Cliff Akerman, Bob Brewer, Mark Hanson and others for their efforts in making that happen. I’m thankful for the presence of so many bishops, and Cardinal DiNardo.

Michael (“who is like God”) was a prince of Israel, the son of Jehoshaphat. He’s mention a dozen times in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel, Michael takes on apocalyptic significance. In Revelation he is the archangel who leads the armies of God’s angels against the forces of evil in the cosmic battle at the end of time.

“And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back…” Rev. 12:7 (also Jude 1:9)