Today we celebrate the glorious archangels whom God ordained to break into human history with a specific purpose. Michael brings God’s powerful deliverance, Gabriel his salvific message, and Raphael his healing grace. 

In my home, we focus our festivities of the day on St. Michael. We have three family members who bear his name, and we regularly call upon our heavenly warrior-saint. Now more than ever, in these stormy times when uncertainty, division, and fear seem stronger than ever, it is good to be reminded of the principalities and powers that safeguard God’s people. 

We are in a battle, mamas, but “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph 6:12). The devil is out to deceive and destroy, yet we mothers stand between him and our domestic church. We cannot stand alone, however, so we ask St. Michael to defend us, and in the name of Jesus, we command the enemy to flee. I have been using this powerful tactic in my own life lately, and I am experiencing remarkable freedom and peace. Over the years, I have been losing battles with myself, with others, with sins, with my thoughts, and with my emotions. However, as I become more aware of the devil’s shrewd tactics, I am confronting the spirits in the name of Jesus, and when I do, I experience victory. There are sins I have confessed over and over, weaknesses I have struggled to overcome, and anxieties I could not ever shake by my own efforts. I am learning that I was not winning victories in those areas because I have relied on myself. The enemy does not stand a chance when I invoke the name of Jesus. So, I have renounced the spirits of pride, fear, resentment, and more, and they obey. With new freedom, I am able to walk through my daily battles, confident of the victory that we are guaranteed in Jesus’ name.  

St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil . . .