Tir 12 — January 20

The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel

Today is a happy feast day for Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the very greatest of God's angels. Every month we remember Saint Michael, because God so often sends him to help and protect His people.

Long, long ago there was a man named Jacob, who was also called Israel. Jacob was afraid. He had to meet his big brother Esau, and he did not know if Esau was still angry with him. So God sent Saint Michael to watch over Jacob and keep him safe.

Saint Michael walked with Jacob and led him safely across a big river called the Jordan. Jacob went to stay with his uncle Laban, and there he married two sisters, Leah and Rachel, and his family grew bigger. When it was time to go home, Saint Michael smoothed the road and made everything peaceful.

And do you know what happened when Jacob finally saw his brother? Esau ran to him and threw his arms around him, full of love. There was no fighting at all, only happiness. God had kept Jacob, his children, and everything he owned completely safe. That is why we celebrate the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel today with such gladness.

Salutation to Michael the Archangel, who went to help.

Saint Theodore the Brave Soldier

Today we also remember a strong, brave soldier named Theodore, who came from a faraway land in the East. He fought so bravely that everyone respected him. But more than anything, Theodore loved God.

One night Theodore had a dream. He saw a tall ladder reaching all the way from the earth up to heaven. At the very top sat our Lord Jesus on a beautiful throne, with thousands and thousands of bright angels all around Him. Jesus looked at Theodore and asked him a gentle question.

Jesus told Theodore that he would always belong to Him. Theodore was filled with joy. His two good friends, Lavendius and Banikoros, had the very same dream, and the three friends promised together to love God and never stop, no matter what.

Sadly, a ruler named Diocletian had stopped loving God and began worshiping statues instead. He wanted Theodore to do the same, but Theodore said no. He would always be faithful to Jesus. Wicked people hurt Theodore and his friends because they would not give up their faith, and they went home to God as martyrs, faithful right to the very end.

But Theodore was never alone. God sent Saint Michael the Archangel to comfort him and make him strong. Jesus Himself came to Theodore and gave him three shining crowns. Jesus made a beautiful promise too: anyone who is sad, or in danger, or in trouble, and who prays and remembers Theodore, will be helped and comforted by God. Then the angels carried Theodore happily home to heaven.

Be strong, O My martyrs, and be conquerors, for I will be with you.— the voice from heaven

Saint Julian and Saint Daniel

Today we remember two more of God's good friends. The first is Saint Julian, who loved God so much that he stayed faithful all the way to the end of his life, like the brave saints before him.

The second is Saint Daniel, the son of Isaac. He was a monk, one who gave each day to quiet prayer and lived close to God. Daniel spent his whole life praying and serving God with a happy, peaceful heart.

We thank God for Julian and Daniel, and we ask these kind saints to pray for us, so that we too can love God with all our hearts.