He’s got a big open chest, and giant wings. He’s got a lance ready to pierce in his hand while his foot is trampling over Satan’s head. He’s got power to kill the evil and to protect justice. He is not afraid. Instead, he is on the front line as a warrior, going wherever those big wings will take him. He listens, and responds. He’s a powerful messenger and defender from God. When he is assigned to you, you have nothing to be afraid.

‘Who is like God’ is the hebrew translation of Michael. He leads the heavenly armies in battles against the powers of hell as the chief of the holy angels. He puts 911 response team in shame when it comes to rescuing souls.

As I was driving to my gallery from the church, those were my thoughts. I thought about St. Michael. I could almost feel his big wings enveloping my shaking shoulders disturbed by the unknown fear. The image of the angelic host surrounding my small body had a major effect in calming me down. I noticed my breath gaining its control again. I was just starting to worry. I wondered if I should pull over and stop until I make sure I had my panic attack under control. But no need. I was as calm as I ever was.

“Lord, graciously help me as I go through this fear and anxiety of the unknown. Give me strength and protect me in these times of confusion and darkness. In Christ, Amen.”

On my way out of the chapel, I hurriedly wrote down those prayers. I was in a hurry because I was afraid someone will get in line to write down her prayer, and read what I have wrote just before her. I did not want anyone to know about my desperate call to God for help.

Was this the answer to my prayer? This closeness of St. Michael? Was it just a coincidence that I was confirmed to join the Catholic family at St. Micheal’s Church on Big Island? I remember my friend Bonnie telling me once. It was few years ago, the first year of my life in Hawaii. We were having a conversation about St. Michael, and Bonnie told me that some people in Kona have mentioned that they have seen the archangel, St. Michael on Ali’i drive(where St. Michael’s church is located). I believed her. I would believe any stories about angels.

I believe because it is always better to believe. It can’t hurt to believe.

The world is better when God is with us. The world has gotten better for good since Jesus came into the world. And the world seems more beautiful if I believe that the angels are here with us. With me. In my moment of fear and panic, through the suffering and pain, I’d rather believe that someone, some existence is out there, and that I am not alone in this battle.

So I pray today, and every day, until my battle is finally over with the coming of Christ;

 

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

thrust into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.