When Lucifer fell from Heaven, St. Michael, who had led the faithful armies of God against the rebel hosts, took his place as chief of the Archangels and Angels before the Throne of God. Henceforth he was to be the leader in the warfare of good against evil, of Heaven against Hell. This was the reward of his obedience. We shall never rise high in God's service unless we are children of obedience. Then, and then only, will He trust and honor and exalt us.

What was the secret of St. Michael's power? It was his ever-present recognition of the sovereignty of God. It is because there was no interference of self with the absolute and perfect dominion of God over every thought and action. His name signifies, "Who is like to God?' Pray for this continual recognition of the exclusive claim of God. Pray that in all temptaion you may say, 'Who is like to God?' What is all else in comparison with Him?

Before St. Michael Satan trembles, recognizing in him the authority of the Omnipotent God. It was St. Michael who had to guard the body of Moses from the devil, who sought to wrest it from his hands. It is St. Michael who will marshal the dead to the Last Judgment. It is St. Michael who is the defender of all faithful souls in the hour of death. Ask him to defend you in that awful hour and save you from the power of the Evil One.