I
IrishAm
Guest
I find it interesting that, while Raphael (whose name means “God has healed”) is only mentioned by name in Tobit, many commentators identify him with the “Angel of the Lord” mentioned in the New Testament (St. John’s Gospel) who descended at certain times into the pool called Bethsaida to stir the healing waters, and this is the Gospel read at the Mass for the Feast of St. Raphael, traditionally celebrated on October 24.
During the daily Mass readings a week or so ago from the book of Tobit, I found myself really pulled to Raphael (something which is quite unusual for me; I tend to have a “thinking” spiritual life rather than a “feeling” one). Many years ago I belonged to a parish named in his honor, which is the first time I knew of this archangel, and since then he has popped up in my mind now and then. I even saved a holy card a half dozen years ago a friend sent me. She had written on it “May St. Raphael be your guide as you journey,” and I had written on it “companion, protector, healer and matchmaker.”
During the daily Mass readings a week or so ago from the book of Tobit, I found myself really pulled to Raphael (something which is quite unusual for me; I tend to have a “thinking” spiritual life rather than a “feeling” one). Many years ago I belonged to a parish named in his honor, which is the first time I knew of this archangel, and since then he has popped up in my mind now and then. I even saved a holy card a half dozen years ago a friend sent me. She had written on it “May St. Raphael be your guide as you journey,” and I had written on it “companion, protector, healer and matchmaker.”