Michaelmas

When I go out into the Oratory of St. Bonaventure, which we call the Bonny, I can't hear the phone ring, the tv if it's on, or Athalia if she's chirping loudly (which she does when she's hungry, thirsty, or wants attention--especially in the morning; she's a morning person: I guess most birds are). That's very nice when you want to do prayer, meditation, devotions before the altar (where we keep the Reserved Sacrament), or read a good book, either for study or pleasure. Although when you're out there in the day you can hear the vehicles on MacArthur. Oh, well. We'll see what remote location and solitude we have when the Order purchases land for intentional community in the future. I am excited about that. Sr. Sarah's vision was of a forest. Can we add mountains and running water to that?

I just came back into the "house proper" from the Bonny and Morning Prayer and Communion for Michaelmas, and there was an "UNAVAILABLE" on the caller i.d. and an "if you'd like to make a call..." message on the answering machine. Another telemarketer, I suppose, even if we're on the so-called no-call list. Oh, well. I call this part of the house the "house proper" because the Oratory, or Bonny, is an enclosed porch--so originally it wasn't part of the "house proper."

Anyway, on to Michael and the angels. Their feast is observed on September 29, and in England it's called "Michaelmas." Some places there is a celebration, special food, fun, etc. Chapel of St. Francis will celebrate it tomorrow, and our "special food" will be tacos. So we'll have "Michaelmas Tacos," with the meat cooked and seasoned by yours truly. :) Since we're of the "English catholic" tradition, I'll call it Michaelmas. Today (and tomorrow) we celebrate the presence, service, prayers, and protection of the angels around us. According to Scripture, they are in ranks, some circle the Throne of Almighty God and cry, "holy, holy, holy" all the time (for them it's not "all the time," of course, because there's no time there...), pray for us with the saints in heaven (the Church Triumphant) and bring their prayers and the prayers of the saints in heaven to God's Throne (how that's done is not described to us by the Apostle John--I'm not sure there are words to describe it), protect us, fulfill God's will, do battle with demons, and in a way that's not explained in Scripture, are instrumental in bringing God's peace to us (maybe partly through their intercession and protection).

Angels are NOT glorified human beings. We don't BECOME angels when we enter heaven, but Scripture says we are LIKE them. Their counterparts are demons, fallen angels who, according again to John the Revelator (check out Phil Keaggy's version of this blues classic on Crimson and Blue --it rocks!) made war on the holy angels, and with their leader, Satan the dragon and serpent, and were beaten and cast out of heaven. John writes that they went on to persecute Mary and the Church. Paul wrote to us that our war is not really with other humans, but with them. We have authority, and have triumphed over them, in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ.

Recommended Further Reading:
Peter Kreeft, Angels and Demons
C.S. Lewis' 'Space Trilogy'
devotions and litany to the angels in the St. Augustine Prayer Book

Michael, defend us in battle.



God's blessings on you.

br. francis