“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.” ~ C. S. Lewis
As if to prove the point, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael today. God’s glory is manifested in many things. We see His glory in creation including His created spiritual beings, the angels. They are wonders to behold and powers with which to be reckoned. The archangels have been tasked with certain responsibilities. Michael protects. Gabriel announces, Raphael guides. Each of them are wondrous manifestations of God’s glory.
It has always amazed me that some people deny the existence of God yet will allow for angels. They do not see them as a part of God’s great creation but they see them as some kind of ethereal beings that come to bring good things to people, kind of like fairy godmothers. It amazes me that they could recognize angelic beings but not recognize God’s glory.
No amount of denial can diminish God. I just feel sorry for those who deny God’s existence. They are depriving themselves of something that could give them hope and comfort in their earthly journey. And for them, just what kind of journey is it? Are they going anywhere other than the grave? It must be awfully sad and lonely to think that there is nothing beyond this life. To deny God is to deny the possibility of resurrection and eternal life.
Will they find God? Will they accept His invitation to live with Him when they are face-to-face with Him at the end of their lives? Or will they continue to deny Him and ultimately reject Him? As we celebrate God’s archangels today, do all that you can to look for God in your lives and to celebrate Him when you see Him.
FAITH ACTION: Ask St. Michael to protect you, St. Gabriel to announce the glory of God to you, and St. Raphael to guide you on your journey through life.