Who Is Like Unto God?

This blog is placed under the patronage and guardianship of St. Michael, the captain of the heavenly armies of God who, with the battle cry that is his name, "Who is like unto God?", drove the rebel Lucifer from heaven like a bolt of lightning to end the great conflict of the heavenly hosts.  He now intercedes for us as the champion of the faithful who struggle with the powers of evil.

Michael appears in Scripture as the guardian of the children of Israel, as their comfort and protector who prepared their return from the Persian captivity (Daniel 10:13).  Just as he rescued the body of Moses from the grasp of the evil one (Jude 9), today he continues to fulfill in a particular and powerful way the final petition of the Lord's Prayer, "deliver us from evil," at the same time both strengthening and encouraging the Church Militant and equipping the faithful with courage and fortitude to fight for the salvation of souls.

Michael stands by the side of the faithful in the hour of their death, ready to escort them to their final judgement and into the glory that is promised those who live and die as friends of God.

Finally, at the end of time, Michael will unfurl the standard of the Cross, sound the last trumpet signalling the end of time, and bind together the beast and his servants, chaining them for eternity in the burning pool (cf Daniel 12, Revelation 12:7).

Saint Michael the Archangel,

Defend us in battle

Be our protection against the

wickedness and snares

of the devil;

May God rebuke him,

we humbly pray;

O Prince of the heavenly host,

By the power of God,

thrust into hell

Satan and all evil spirits

Who prowl about the world

Seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Saint Michael's feast day is celebrated on September 29.  He is the patron saint of police, knights, soldiers, those in battle, grocers, and radiologists.