ANGELS

 
[Using today’s two readings –
one from Daniel – the gospel from John –
on this feast of the three angels –
Michael, Gabriel and Raphael –
let me engage you with
a tiny bit of imagination.]
 
When we die,
will we see thousands
and thousands and thousands
of angels surrounding
those who have just died – those
who have died from Covid
and from accidents – from all
the mysterious  ways life here ends –
unique to each of us?
Will we find ourselves becoming one
with vast clouds and crowds –
of those who have gone before us
flying forward to meeting God –
the Ancient One on his throne
in the next phase of life – His clothing bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire –
ministered by angels – messengers -
angels  - flocks of them – like birds –
like birds – flying over an autumn corn fields –
angels guiding and guarding us – 

Michael, Gabriel, Raphael –
as well as our guardian angel – with a unique smile
on his face - winging us to eternal life?
Our mind – excited – however minds 

make it into eternity –
wondering what’s next – and hopefully  like Nathanael
under the fig tree – we’ll hear Jesus say,
“You will see greater things than this.”
“You will see heaven opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
“Wooooooooh!”