The Greek word angeloi literally means “messengers.” This is also the meaning of the Hebrew melakim, translated as “angels” or “messengers.” As messengers, angels minister to and guide believers (Gn 24:7-40), provide for their needs (1 Kgs 19:5-8), and protect and deliver them from danger (Ps 34:8). In the New Testament, they are messengers who are related to the saving mission of Jesus. Because Jesus is the Son of God, angels worship him (Heb 1:6). In the vision of heaven, the disciples will see the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man who is Jesus in his divine glory. This is similar to the vision of Isaiah: the Lord God is seated on a high throne with seraphim stationed above (Is 6:1-2).
“Archangels” are chief angels or angels of high rank. The Bible mentions Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. In the Oratio Imperata on Covid-19, the intercession of St. Raphael the Archangel is invoked because in the Book of Tobit, he helps in the healing of the blind Tobit and he rescues Sarah from the demon Asmodeus (8:1-3; 11:1-14). Fittingly, his name Raphael means “God heals.” His angelic mission on earth is to heal, which is important for those suffering in any way.
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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.