My favorite angel movie is “Michael” starring John Travolta
and rightly so since it was filmed in Texas. (Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Corn
Hill, county roads near Walburg and the iconic Gruene Hall no less!) Michael, the
Great Prince and protector of God’s people in Daniel’s vision has nothing in
common with the vacationing come to earth one last time Travolta version but
then most of our imaginings take liberties with whatever God had in mind when
angelic beings were created. Close proximity to the real deal causes fear and
trembling while Travolta’s less than angelic Michael smokes cigarettes, smells
like fresh baked cookies and drives women wild. On the other hand he gives up
the last of his allotted miracles to bring a dead dog back to life and what’s
not angelic about that? Truth is we lose sight of God’s purpose when we focus
on the details (how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?) or try to
figure out from Daniel’s dream what time the end time will begin. I dare say the
world has experienced times of anguish “such has never occurred” a thousand times
over with no end in sight and some are experiencing “such has never occurred” even
as I type these words. But the chief of princes is not dispatched for a last
hurrah on earth or to deliver a message of doom and gloom. No. Michael is sent
to proclaim the good news of deliverance to desperate people in the same way
the angelic chorus sang over a barn in Bethlehem, “Peace on earth. Good will
to those with whom God is pleased.” But because I've loved and lost multiple dogs I choose to believe God might also like the version of Michael where Sparky barks again as much as I do.
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