War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
I've been a chaplain in the VA for ten years, as of this coming December. I didn't begin as a pacifist and I have not become a hawk, but after countless conversations with soldiers, sailors, marines and guards I am more convinced of the endless cycles of war; and our need for warriors.
I think war is like the occasional traffic jam we meet on the highway. We can be stalled for hours and, when the highway finally begins to move again we never discover why it was stopped! There was no accident! But there were too many people not driving at full speed in tight formation. Incoming ramps, rain, potholes and rubberneckers in the thousands slowed and then stopped all movement.
Because our virtue is "too slow;" because we do not go the extra mile, lend without expecting repayment, turn the other cheek, or forgive seventy times seven times there is an inevitable backup of anger, resentment, suspicion and fury that erupts periodically in war. Wars begin with me.
The vision in today's (alternate) first reading presumes that war always was and always will be, until the end of time. However, with the Death and Resurrection of Christ, wars have ceased in heaven. Saint Michael has purged the sky of Satan and his minions. They have been cast down to Earth where they will wreak havoc for a time, a limited time.
Because our broken economic system does not serve all the people, our infrastructures of basic necessities are disintegrating and a shrinking minority of wealthy persons control most of the money, we should expect a backup of violence.
The poor who have no protectors, sponsors or patrons in high places -- known as anawim in Hebrew -- call upon Saint Michael the Archangel for protection. This angelic warrior represents the wrath of God especially against those who showed no mercy to the needy:
For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving them food and clothing. So you too should love the resident alien, for that is what you were in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:17
If war begins with me, so does Peace. Each day and many times a day we pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." The Bible teaches the nations to welcome refugees; and help them to integrate fully into their new homes and cities, with their talents, energy, courage and generosity. The United States, in particular, has been blessed since its inception with migrants seeking opportunities to contribute to the welfare of the nation. We should welcome them lest we face Michael and his warrior angels.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.