Sermon – 29th September 2019

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St Michael and All Angels – evening


Sunday 29th September 2019

St Michael and All Angels – evening
Genesis 28. 10-17
John 1. 47 – end

Revd Preb Maureen Hobbs


Maureen Hoobs

Michelmas – its a word often used to describe this time of year – We speak of the Michelmas term in schools and colleges and in the Law.

We used to see lots of Michelmas Daisies – although they seem to have fallen out of favour somewhat among our gardeners? I remember harvest festivals when michelmas daisies in profusion of purple, lavender, mauve and white seemed to be everywhere!

All named of course in honour of St Michael the archangel – who’s festival it is today.

What do you make of angels and archangels? Angels seem to have become much more popular and spoken of in recent years. Many people seem to find it easier to believe in angels than in God himself – which is a bit ironic, since angels only derive their being from God, being made entirely of the spirit! They feature in story and song and film. Not to mention church architecture of course. We have a fair few dotted around this place – standing guard at the altar for example. My first University – that of Surrey at Guildford, was built close to Guildford Cathedral – and if you have ever visited that building –( not as elegant as Lichfield perhaps and a bit brutal to some eyes, but a fine example of modernist architecture), you will find that a large golden angel adorns the top of the tower there. I’m afraid we students usually called it the Fairy on the hill!

If I asked you to describe an angel, I am sure most of you would think of the traditional Christmas image – dressed in white, blond hair, blue eyes and of course the large white wings! And we like to think of them as gentle, comforting presences, reminding us of the love of God.

But this is quite a modern image. Angels in medieval art are often portrayed as larger than life, fierce and fiery beings – frequently equipped with a sword – at least the archangels are. They are usually dressed in bright colours and even their wings are highly coloured.

And Archangels – like Michael – are essentially military beings. Captains, or Generals of God’s armies.

True, they often bring a message from God – the word for Angel in Hebrew, Malach, also means messenger – but that message is often far from comforting. In fact to encounter an angel and to hear the message he brings (and in the Bible they are all ‘he’ by the way!) usually means that your life is about to be turned upside down! Think of Gabriel and Mary and Joseph – and Zechariah come to that!

In Christian tradition, there are only really four Archangels that are widely recognised – Michael, (his name means, He who is like God, a figure embodying strength, courage, and protection – I wonder if that’s why M&S chose his name as their brand?)

Gabriel – Strength or voice of God – particularly used to bring messages to humanity.

Raphael – God heals – special to the medical profession.

Uriel – light of God.

But there are lots more named in Jewish and Islamic literature – at least 15 in total and angels as beings seem to pre-date all of the three great monotheistic religions. They don’t really get mentioned – or at least named – much before the great Exile of the Jews to Babylon – which happened around 560BC and it seems likely that they were something that was imported from Persian Zoroastrianism – which is older than Judaism and was probably the faith of the three wise men of our nativity story.

Angels fascinate us. They inhabit the heavenly realms, yet are also channels of God’s will and a way for God to interact with human beings. Angels inspire us with heavenly worship – just listen to the words of our Eucharistic Prayer in a few minutes – and earthly service.

Today we are more likely to encounter Street Angels – those volunteers who help provide chaplaincy and welfare services to people making the most of the late-night clubbing scene in our towns and cities.

Jesus uses language of angels in his parables and in his depiction of God’s Kingdom. Such words stimulated the imagination of his hearers; and perhaps they also restore our vision, when we long for peace, good news and healing; when we long to know and express God’s presence.

In our Gospel today, we hear how Nathaniel is drawn towards Jesus as we might be to a visiting celebrity. But rather than have his human prejudices confirmed, he recognises God with us. He is somewhat shocked at how much Jesus seems to know about him, but he is invited and he responds, moving from scepticism to a declaration of faith. Rabbi, you are the Son of God.

But that is just a beginning. To follow Jesus is to embrace the connection between God and creation; to seek to make that real for others, day by day. We are to witness to Jesus, God with us; the one who brings healing, peace and grace to our humanity.

Today, angels remind us of our reliance on God’s grace; that God is our source of strength, especially when we are faced with difficult decisions or people. They remind us of our calling to proclaim the love of God, to seek his peace and healing through prayer. So as our worship this evening ends, may our service to the world begin! Thanks be to God.