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Serenity - St. Raphael - Trinity 20
From a Liberal Catholic source with permission
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Raphael, the Healing angel whom we invoke during healing services. His name means "God's Remedy." St. Gabriel is mentioned in the Bible 23 times all throughout the book of Tobit, (Tobias). Traditionally he is considered to be the Patron Saint of the Blind, Guardian Angels, Lovers, Nurses, Physicians, and Travellers. In the book of Tobit, he first appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of the younger Tobias, calling himself "Azarias the son of the great Ananias". The story of the adventurous journey during which the protective influence of the angel is shown in many ways including the binding "in the desert of upper Egypt" of the demon who had previously slain seven husbands of Sara, daughter of Raguel, is picturesquely related in Tobit 5-11, which you may like to read for yourselves during the week.
Also today we have an intent of Serenity which is defined as tranquillity, peacefulness, and state of being untroubled, unperturbed, calm. Clearly if we consider the ancient Hebrew tradition (which carried over to the early church), that we each have a Guardian Angel, then we have every reason to be serene in our faith. It is by living up to our beliefs and endeavouring to serve God by serving His creation, including each other, that we gain an increase in that wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, Serenity. Remember the teaching of St. Paul in his writing to the Ephesians, which we recall each time Mass is celebrated:
You are fellow citizens with the saints and with the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you are also built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Eph. 2 :vv. 19-22.
In the Qur’an too we read:
You are the best community that has been raised up for mankind. You enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and you believe in God.
Be serene therefore in the knowledge that God loves us, and has set his angels, led by Raphael, to show us His way, and our destiny.
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