The Catechism of the Catholic Church deals with the angels in paragraphs 328-336. It is very consoling to follow up some of the more than fifty references in Scripture to angels in the footnotes to those paragraphs.In moments of discouragment those Scripture references will assure us that we have powerful helpers available to us in our limited human efforts to build up the kingdom of heaven on earth. The angels are portrayed as kindly, experienced, understanding and skilled helpers.

Of the three angels whose joint feast we celebrate today, Gabriel is the most familiar to us. We need to notice the courtesy and undertanding with which he treats Our Lady as he tells her that she was to be the mother of Christ. He had to be somewhat stern with Zechariah but it was a sterness accompanied by hope and a promise. Michael shows us that in the name of God evil can be conquered. Raphael is guide and messenger in the difficulties encountered by Tobiah and Sarah and their families.

In their visits to human beings, in all their warnings and good advice those other unnamed angels brought courage and assurance to people in difficulties. They facilitated the efforts of those who, both before and after the coming of Christ, strove to establish God's kingdom on earth.