St. Michael: God's Legate
by: Richard S. Clifton

Saturday Ramblins, Vol. 1, No. 21 (October 10, 1998)

My authority resides in him. Exodus 23:22

As the only angel in the bible to which the title "archangel" was applied, St. Michael has functioned as God's legate, or official emissary, since the dawn of time. Created as a being in the lowest rank of angels, Michael's place was almost at once exalted because it was he who cast down from heaven Satan and the other angels who's sin of pride lost them the sight of God.

Even his name proclaims his function in heaven. Michael means, "Who is as God?" At a time when all angels were being tested of their merit before God, Michael demonstrated his extraordinary zeal for not only the glory of God, but for the salvation of all angels during Satan's rebellion. For this, the Church has always referred to him as princeps militiae caelestis, the prince of heavenly hosts.

In Old Testament times, it was Michael who was the zealous defender of the Israelites. First defending heaven against Satan and his legions, Michael went on to defend all of God's people against their enemies, enemies often inspired by or in league with Satan on earth. It has become accepted that Michael is the Malakh Yahweh, The Angel of the Lord, who appears throughout the Old Testament. This would indeed be consistent with Michael's role as the legate of God to God's own people.

In the Book of Daniel, the prophet tells us, "No one supports me against all these except Michael, your prince" (10:21). And again Daniel says, "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people" (12:1). As God's legate, Michael can speak and act by the authority of God and in His name. He represents God on this earth. This seems to have been true with the people of ancient Israel. Michael not only represented God, but actively defended the Israelites against enemies from both the human and spiritual worlds.

In Exodus, it was Michael, the Malakh Yahweh, who went before the children of Israel as a pillar of cloud by day and by night, a pillar of fire to guide their journey out of Egypt. "See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him." (Exodus 23: 20-22) It was through the power of Michael that the Pharaoh and his armies were annihilated.

The feast of St. Michael (Michaelmas) is September 29. It is a time when summer has given way to fall, a time of release. It is also a time when the harvest is celebrated. Here in the United States, we have our traditional Thanksgiving, the Jews celebrate Sukkoth and Celtic peoples, Lammas. It is part of the process that purifies the ground preparing it for rest in winter and new life in the distant spring.

St. Michael is capable of helping us release that which is not good for us or no longer serves any purpose in our lives. It may be a bad relationship, a bad habit or a negative outlook. Asking Michael's help, especially this time of year, empowers both the release of it and our own purification. Through him, God gives us the strength to let go of things of this world so that our focus may be on Him and His plan for our salvation.

Finally, St. Michael is a powerful weapon against the devil and the devil's deceits and snares. Invoked in the face of temptation, Michael becomes an ally in our ability to resist Satan. He has defeated the devil before, and he can do it again. His power, as God's legate, is God's power working through him in this life for us.

Two Prayers to St. Michael

Holy Michael, the archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and may the prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

O Prince most glorious, Michael the Archangel, keep us in remembrance here and everywhere, always, entreat the Son of God for us.

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