The Vision of the Son of Man and the Witness of the Angels

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

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Archangels, the Church invites us to lift our eyes to the heavenly realm. The prophet Daniel gives us a vision of the throne of God, surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand, and the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals to Nathanael that he will see “the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” The archangels are witnesses to the glory of God and messengers of His love. They show us that we are not alone; we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

The Book of Daniel presents a vision of the Ancient of Days, seated on a throne of flames. Thousands upon thousands minister to Him. Then “one like a Son of Man” comes on the clouds of heaven. He receives dominion, glory, and kingship. His kingdom is everlasting, and all peoples serve Him. This is a vision of the victory of Christ, the Son of Man, who will reign forever. The archangels are part of this vision. They are the heavenly court, the ministers of God’s glory, the witnesses to His power.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus meets Nathanael under the fig tree. Nathanael is an “Israelite in whom there is no guile.” He is a man of prayer, a man who seeks God. When Jesus reveals that He saw him under the fig tree, Nathanael declares, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus promises, “You will see greater things than these. Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

The connection between the readings is the revelation of the Son of Man and the witness of the angels. Daniel sees the Son of Man coming in glory. Jesus promises that Nathanael will see the angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. This is a reference to Jacob’s ladder, the connection between heaven and earth. Jesus is the ladder. He is the one who connects heaven and earth. The angels are His messengers, His ministers, His witnesses.

The Archangels have specific missions. Michael is the protector, the warrior, the one who fights against the forces of evil. Gabriel is the messenger, the one who announces the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. Raphael is the healer, the guide, the one who accompanies Tobias on his journey. They are models for us: we are called to fight against evil, to proclaim the Good News, and to heal the wounds of the world.

Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting on the angels, said, “The angels are messengers of God’s love, witnesses to His glory, and protectors of His people.” Pope Francis has said, “The Lord has given us angels to accompany us on the journey of life.” And Saint Thomas Aquinas, the great theologian of the angels, wrote, “The angels are pure spirits, created to serve God and to help us on our way.”

What does this mean for us? We are not alone. We are surrounded by angels. We have a protector (Michael), a messenger (Gabriel), and a healer (Raphael). We have the Son of Man, who has ascended to the right hand of the Father. We have the promise that we will see the heavens opened. Our faith is not a lonely journey; it is a journey accompanied by the heavenly host.

Today, let us call upon the Archangels. Let us ask Michael to protect us from evil. Let us ask Gabriel to help us hear the Word of God and to proclaim it with boldness. Let us ask Raphael to heal our wounds and to guide us on our journey. And let us lift our eyes to the Son of Man, who reigns forever and ever. For the heavens are opened, and the angels of God are ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Amen.

May God bless you all!