Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, September 29, 2025

Gospel

John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,

"Here is a true child of Israel.

There is no duplicity in him."

Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"

Jesus answered and said to him,

"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."

Nathanael answered him,

"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

Jesus answered and said to him,

"Do you believe

because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?

You will see greater things than this."

And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,

you will see heaven opened

and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Reflection

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Archangels. In the Gospel we hear Jesus say...“Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this… you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Faith often begins in small moments. For Nathanael, it began with the simple realization that Jesus truly knew him. Our own faith often starts in the same way, with the comforting truth that God sees us, understands us, and calls us by name. But, Jesus reminds us that this is only the beginning. In trusting in God and His plans for us we are led into “greater things”, blessings and graces we could never have imagined on our own.

On this feast, we are reminded of how God fulfills His promises through His angels. Michael defends us in spiritual battles, Gabriel announces God’s saving message, and Raphael brings healing and guidance. Their mission is a reminder that heaven is never far away and that God is always at work in our lives, drawing us closer to His Son.