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The Catholic belief in the existence of angels is a matter of faith. In the Creed which we profess at Mass we proclaim that we believe in “one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.” The “unseen” refers to the spiritual world, of which Michael and the other angels are part. St. Michael is one of three archangels (the others are Gabriel and Raphael) whose feast day is celebrated on Sept. 29. Michael is mentioned by name four times in the Scriptures — twice in the Old Testament (Dn 10:13ff and 12:1), as helper to the Israelites — and twice in the New Testament (Jude v.9 and Rv 12:7-9), as the victorious opponent of the devil. He is most often depicted wearing armor and brandishing a sword, either fighting or standing triumphantly over the devil. Because of his role as protector he is identified as the patron of police officers As an angel, Michael is an immortal spirit, and therefore, never “lived” a “physical” or “earthly” life. Our Catholic Christian tradition simply teaches that God created the angels (the spiritual) world), and that they have been present since creation (CCC 332). St. Michael still “lives” with God in the glory of heaven. Michael is often depicted holding the scales of "justice", or sometimes even the Book of Life, both which symbolize the Last Judgment. Though Michael is not mentioned by name here, it seems that tradition has associated him with the angel of Revelation who holds the book (Rv 20:1). Likewise, it seems that the defeat of the Devil by Michael, (which is depicted in scripture) may also be equated with the triumph of justice (hence the scales). Another tradition (alluded to in the letter of Jude) has Michael in the role of "defense attorney." Michael disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, whom the devil claimed because he had killed a man while living in Egypt (Ex 2:12). Michael's great defense won him the body of Moses. Perhaps the scales derive from that tradition. |
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