This feast is helpful in a number of ways. First, it reminds us that there are spiritual beings created by God to serve his purposes and it is in that function that we know each of them. Second, these incorporeal beings are not all alike. There is a hierarchy of angels who are distinct from each other. Third, the principle or arch angels are known and located in Scripture. Michael, as we hear today, in the Book of Revelation, Raphael in the Book of Tobit and Gabriel in the Gospel of Luke. Fourth, there is an ongoing battle against evil which is orchestrated by those spirits who refused to serve God and set up a counter hierarchy of demons: "In my vision war broke out in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven." (Rev 12: 7-8) These beings continue to have a presence and influence in the Church. We know this because at Mass we acknowledge that we pray with them in the Confiteor and in the preface to the Eucharistic Prayer. The preface for this feast concludes: "Through him (Christ the Lord) the multitude of Angels extols your majesty, and we are united with them in exultant adoration, ass with one voice of praise we acclaim..." (Preface of the Archangels, Roman Missal) Let us, every time we are at Mass be mindful of the exultant praise of heaven and earth as we recite or sing the Holy, holy.
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