Saint Michael’s name means “Who is like unto God?” and he is depicted in the Book of Revelation as throwing Satan and the fallen angels out of heaven because of their prideful rebellion against God. Before making Step One, we foolishly lived in the delusion that we were “like unto God.” Our prideful rebellion was to promote ourselves as the lord and master of our lives and to appoint ourselves judge, jury, and executioner when it came to holding everyone else except ourselves accountable for the harm we caused.

Saint Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength” and he is depicted in Luke’s Gospel as God’s messenger. The first three steps in recovery speak to that crucial transition we make in our thinking from the destructive fallacy that we are God and all powerful to the salutary truth that we are not God and utterly powerless, and accepting with humility and trust that God alone is our strength in getting well.

Saint Raphael’s name means “God has healed” and he is depicted in the Old Testament as the protective companion on Tobias’ journey and the one who heals his father Tobit of his blindness. When we relinquish the throne of self-love and self-righteousness and turn our lives over in complete surrender to Christ, the marvelous result is healing, freedom, and joy.

Left to our human capacities alone, we cannot possibly resist “the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.” Fortunately, we are not alone. With God’s grace and the succor of the angels and saints, we can triumph over the evil that dwells within and about us. Therefore, with awe and thanksgiving, let us give praise to the angelic hosts who in perfect obedience love and serve the Lord our God and intercede mightily in our lives.

Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, pray for us! 

Reflection Questions

• Describe in your own words how your journey in recovery constitutes spiritual warfare.
• Pray the Saint Michael prayer slowly and meditatively and reflect upon what his intercession means for your recovery and your salvation.

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
Gospel: John 1:47-51

Reflection by Pete S.