Ladders of Light: Heaven’s Messengers Among Us

Dan 7:9-10.13-14, Psalm: 137, Jn 1:47-51

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, on this glorious feast where we honor the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Church gives us scripture that pulls back the veil between heaven and earth. We are given a glimpse into the celestial courtroom of the Ancient of Days and the promise that the divine and human are forever united in Christ, with angels as His mighty messengers and our constant helpers.

The vision from the Prophet Daniel is one of overwhelming majesty and power. He describes a throne of flaming chariot wheels, with a river of fire flowing before it. Thousands upon thousands minister to the Ancient One. This is a scene of divine sovereignty, judgment, and awesome transcendence. Then, a figure appears, not in terrifying glory, but in humble humanity: “One like a son of man.” This human-like figure is presented to the Ancient One and is given “dominion, glory, and kingship” that is everlasting and universal. The Church has always seen this as a profound prophecy of Christ, the God-man, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. And who are the countless thousands ministering? They are the angelic host, the servants of the divine court, who enact God’s will and worship before His throne.

This cosmic vision finds its intimate, earthly fulfillment in the Gospel of John. Jesus meets Nathanael, a true Israelite without duplicity. Jesus’ supernatural knowledge—that He saw him under the fig tree—astounds Nathanael, who proclaims, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God.” But Jesus tells him he will see far greater things: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” This is a direct reference to Jacob’s ladder. Jesus is declaring Himself to be the new ladder, the true bridge between heaven and earth. He is the point of contact. And the angels are constantly moving upon Him, carrying prayers to the Father and bringing graces to humanity.

This is the beautiful Catholic truth we celebrate today: God’s angels are not distant mythological figures. They are personal, powerful spirits sent to serve God by guiding and guarding us on our journey to salvation. Each archangel we honor reveals a different facet of God’s care.

Saint Michael is the defender who does battle against the evil one. From his place in Daniel’s heavenly court, he comes to our aid in our spiritual combat. As Pope St. Gregory the Great said, “Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power.” We invoke him for protection and for the courage to reject sin.

Saint Gabriel is the messenger of the Incarnation. He who stood in the presence of God was sent to announce the most joyful news to Zechariah and Mary. He brings clarity to God’s plan and helps us to hear and proclaim God’s Word. We invoke him for the grace to say “yes” to God’s will, especially when it is surprising or daunting.

Saint Raphael is God’s healing presence, as shown in the Book of Tobit. His name means “God heals.” He guided, protected, and healed Tobias on his journey. He is the companion for all our travels—physical, spiritual, and emotional—bringing God’s healing to our wounds and relationships.

The comfort for us is immense. We are not alone in our struggle. The same majestic God who commands the heavenly host has assigned his mighty archangels to assist us. The same ladder of angels upon Christ is active in our lives, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where heaven and earth truly are one.

So how do we apply this? We must cultivate a living relationship with these heavenly helpers. We can pray the ancient prayer to St. Michael for protection against evil. We can ask St. Gabriel for the words to evangelize and the courage to accept God’s plan. We can ask St. Raphael to heal our brokenness and guide our steps.

As St. Bernard exhorts us, “We must honor the angels with great devotion… they are our protectors and guides.”

On this feast day, let us lift our eyes in faith. Like Nathanael, let us believe, and so see heaven opened. Let us take courage, knowing that the angels of God are ascending and descending upon the Son of Man, and they are with us on our journey, guiding us safely to the eternal throne of the Ancient of Days. Amen.