Gospel in Art: Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

The Three Archangels, Gabriel, Michael, Raphael by Marco d'Oggiono, 1517 © Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan, Italy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 29 September 2025
John 1:47-51

At that time: Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!' Nathanael said to him, 'How do you know me?' Jesus answered him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' Nathanael answered him, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!' Jesus answered him, 'Because I said to you, "I saw you under the fig tree", do you believe? You will see greater things than these.' And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the feast of three archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The word archangel simply means "high-ranking angel," in the same way an archbishop is a high-ranking bishop. Each of these three is given a name in Scripture, and each has a special mission from God. Michael is the great protector, the one who leads the heavenly armies against evil and defends God's people (Revelation 12:7-9). Gabriel is the messenger of salvation, sent to announce the birth of John the Baptist and, most importantly, the Incarnation itself when he told Mary she would be the Mother of God (Luke 1:26-38). Raphael, whose name means "God heals," is known from the Book of Tobit, where he brings healing to Tobit's blindness and guides young Tobias safely on his journey. Together, these three remind us that God is active in our world.

Later this same week, on 2 October, we will celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels. So this truly is a week of angels, a time to remember not only the great archangels named in Scripture but also those unseen companions who guard and guide us personally. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that "from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." Beautiful, comforting words. Angels are a sign of God's desire to accompany and protect us on life's journey. This week of angelic feasts invites us to give thanks for their presence and to trust more deeply in God's providence at work in both the visible and invisible ways He leads us.

In our painting dated 1517, the artist Marco d'Oggiono presents a commanding vision of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael in triumphant form. Michael in the middle takes centre stage, clad in a red cloak, his wings spread wide and sword raised aloft, he is sending Satan down to the pits of hell. To the left stands Gabriel, to the right Raphael, both draped in lavish robes. They are watching on what is happening and approve. The background reveals a landscape filled with very precise natural detail (polished skies, distant hills, and meticulously rendered flowers and foliage), demonstrating the influence of Leonardo da Vinci, under whom d'Oggiono studied. Commissioned in the early sixteenth century for the Church of Santa Marta in Milan, this grand altarpiece (measuring approximately 255 x 190 cm) was later transferred to Brera following the Napoleonic suppressions.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-1-47-51-2025/