In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. — Psalm 138:1

Mass Readings: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12a / John 1:47-51 

In the Presence of Angels 

Our daughter was born 24 years ago today. We named her Michelle after St. Michael, whose feast she shares. Not coincidentally, Michelle has always been close to angels, especially her patron. As a preschooler, she assured me that she could see his big wing covering her like a blanket as she slept. When I once asked how she found the courage to defend a classmate in school, she smiled a toothless grin. “That’s easy, I just asked St. Michael to help me.” In high school she asked her guardian angel to talk to her best friend’s guardian angel to help them resolve a misunderstanding. 

There are at least 17 New Testament references to angels, most of whom appeared to someone at a critical moment. But God’s guardians are always with us, reminding us we’re not alone. 

Prayer: St. Michael the Archangel, help me be brave.