FEAST OF STMICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS YEAR C
Introduction
Michael is one of only three angels (the others are Gabriel and Raphael) mentioned by name in the Bible. Mention of him is found in the Old Testament (in Daniel), and in the New Testament (in Jude and Revelation). The name, Michael, means “who is like God”. In late Jewish and early Christian popular devotion Michael became identified as the heavenly champion who would lead the hosts of heaven and vindicate the saints of God. In the East, Michael has long been the patron of the sick and suffering; in late medieval Christianity he became the patron saint of chivalry and is now considered the patron of the police and the military. His festival has been celebrated on 29th September since the 6th century.
Sentence
And all the angels sang, ‘Amen! Blessingand glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen’ Revelation 7.12
Collect
Almighty God, you govern the courses of this world by means too wonderful for us to comprehend: give us reverence before the mysteries of your providence, and the grace to know the messengers of your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: grant that, as your holy angels stand before you in heaven, so at your command they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Reading Introductions
Daniel 7:9-10(11-12)13-14. The book of Daniel was written about 165 BC in a time of persecution, but is set in the time of the exile. Its six stories and four visions speak of encouragement, loyalty and God’s ultimate triumph.
Ezekiel 1:4-12. Ezekiel lived among the exiles in Babylon. The visions and oracles of warning and hope that make up the book of Ezekiel begin with a vision of four heavenly creatures.
Revelation 12:7-12a. The book of Revelation was written towards the end of the first century AD in a time of distress for Christians. In picturesque language it strengthens hope in the eventual victory of God’s saints.
John 1:45-51. In John’s Gospel, one of Jesus’ first acts is to gather around himself a group of disciples. The group includes Nathanael (probably the same person as Bartholomew), an Israelite without guile.
Alleluia, Alleluia
Bless the Lord all you his hosts, you ministers of his who do his will
Alleluia
Post Communion Prayer:
Lord of heaven, in this Eucharist you have brought us near to an innumerable company of angels and to the spirits of the saints made perfect: as in this food of our earthly pilgrimage we have shred their fellowship, so may we come to share their joy in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Blessing
God keep you in the fellowship of his saints, Christ protect you by the ministry of the angels, the Spirit make you holy in God’s service, and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen
Copyright:
Introduction For All the Saints, Ken Booth, 2005
Collect, A Prayer Book for Australia, 1995
Reading Introductions, Ken Booth
Gospel Acclamation and Post Communion Sentence, Church House Publishing 1997
Feast of St Michael and All Angels -Year C