As I watched:
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw
One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
REFLECTION
Angel denotes a function rather than a nature.
Angels deliver messages. Archangels proclaim messages of supreme importance. The Archangel Michael means (in Hebrew) "Who is like God." Gabriel is "The Strength of God." Raphael is "God's Remedy."
Michael fought Lucifer who in his pride wanted to be like God. And at the end of time, Michael will destroy the devil. He is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host" and the leader of all the angels. He is mentioned four times in the Bible, in Daniel 10:21 and 12:1, in the letter of Jude and in Revelation. Pope Leo XIII in 1899 instituted the Prayer to St Michael the Archangel to protect us from evil spirits. Michael protects. (1)
St Michael is recognized to be the one who fights against Satan, to rescue souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy , especially at the hour of death; to be the champion of God's people; and to call away from earth and bring men's souls to judgment. Michael is the patron of soldiers and police. (1)
Gabriel or God's strength was sent to Mary to announce the coming of the Lord. (Luke 1:19). He also appeared in Daniel's visions, announcing Michael's role in God's plan. He is the patron of messengers and postal workers. (2)
Raphael healed Tobit's eyes and banished the darkness of his blindness. He appears only in the Old Testament. (Tobit 12:14-15) He guided Tobiah, Tobit's son, through a happy marriage with Sarah, the healing of Tobit's blindness, and the restoration of the family fortune. He is the patron of travelers and the blind. (2)
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
