Shalom

29Sep Sat	Ss Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels
	Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev. 12:7-12a Ps. 128:1-5 Jn. 1:47-51

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"I believe in angels. I believe in everything that's true" goes the lyrics of the song sung and popularized by the now defunct pop group Abba. But contrary to the lyrics of the song, it is becoming increasingly difficult for modern society to accept anything other than tangible material reality. If at all the existence of angels is to be believed, they are often depicted as cute, cherubic, winged infants or androgynous adults, and filed next to Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or aliens from outer space.

Who are these angels really? What significance do they hold for us? 'Angel' is the name of their office, 'of what they do', and not of their nature, 'of what they are', says St Augustine. This observation highlights the critical importance of the angelic ministry and their roles as servants and messengers of God. Through their ministry, angels shed light on the providence of God. In particular, the three angels whose feast day we commemorate today, point to God's trustworthy and faithful protection, revelation and healing presence. Today, we continue to experience this protection, revelation, healing and guiding presence in ways that defy explanation.

Heavenly Father, may our prayers continue to rise to Your presence through the ministry of the angels through whom we derive protection and guidance.

DAILY OFFERING

Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH

INTENTION
That the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H

INTENTION :	That the adolescents and young people of the third millennium may discover a profound ideal to devote themselves to.
"Lord Jesus, you have made these young people your friends; keep them for ever close to you! Amen." This closing prayer of John Paul II at the Mass in Korazim in the Holy Land last year indicates the deep concern he has for the youth of the third millennium. At the Mount of Beatitudes, the Holy Father looked down on the assembled youth and said, "How may generations before us have been deeply moved by the Sermon on the Mount! How many young people down the centuries have gathered around Jesus to learn the words of eternal life, as you are gathered here today! It is wonderful that you are here!" The ideal the Holy Father proposes to the youth of today is that they look at Jesus, who embodies the Beatitudes. They will see what it means to be poor in spirit, gentle and merciful, to mourn, to care for what is right, to be pure in heart, to make peace, to be persecuted. He challenges them to go out into the world and preach the message of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes which speak of truth and goodness, and grace and freedom: of all that is necessary to enter Christ's Kingdom. Now it is their turn to be courageous apostles of that kingdom.
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