Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Our first reading from the Book of Daniel speaks about Michael, the archangel, the great prince, who guards the people in times of distress. The intercession of St. Michael, the archangel, is especially helpful at any time where there is a sense of tribulation and crisis.
I often quote the verse from 1 Peter 5:8: “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.” Yes, the devil looks for ways to divide us and set us at war against each other. He wants us to give up the practice of the faith, lose hope for our future, and choose hatred over love. So, in St. Michael, we have a defender to help us in this spiritual battle against evil. We can ask St. Michael to help defend our Church, our society, our families, and ourselves.
All of us as individuals, as well as all of our good institutions, will have a continuous need to be protected from any evil that comes lurking for us from the devil. Sometimes this evil comes from our own sinfulness. Sometimes it comes to us from the sinfulness of others. Evil has many roads to choose from in order to enter our Church, our world and our souls.
Here is the traditional prayer that many find helpful in seeking help from this heavenly spirit of God’s protection:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Have a blessed week everyone. And, as Jesus often reminded us, “Be not afraid.”