Gabriel, Archangel 		March 24
Gabriel’s name in Hebrew means “man of God” or “God’s might has been shown”. Gabriel, Michael and Raphael are the only three angels mentioned by name in the Bible. Gabriel appears first in the book of Daniel, from the second century BCE, and there, in the guise of a man (Daniel 9:21), figures as the messenger of God who reveals details of the Day of Judgement, interprets the vision to Daniel, and gives wisdom and understanding. 
In the development of Jewish religious ideas from the second century BCE till after the time of Jesus, Gabriel gains greater definition and clearer functions. Gabriel figures in 1 Enoch as one of the four heavenly beings (the others are Michael, Raphael, and Phanuel) who stand in God’s presence. In 2 Enoch, Gabriel is described as one of the Lord’s glorious ones, who serve the Lord in the seventh heaven. Gabriel’s functions in 1 and 2 Enoch are variously described as being in charge of all the powers, intercessor on behalf of the righteous, and the destroyer of the wicked, the one who casts them into the furnace.
In the New Testament, Gabriel appears in the infancy narrative of Luke to reveal the coming birth of John the Baptist to the doubting Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20), and the birth of her son to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Gabriel’s role as intercessor is reflected in the assurance given to Zechariah that his prayer has been heard, and to Mary that she has found favour with God.
In later Jewish writings the role of Gabriel is still further enhanced: Gabriel is introduced as God’s messenger in the interpretation of many earlier biblical stories. In the Christian tradition, Gabriel appears in art from an early date. The association with the annunciation led to Gabriel’s feast being observed the day before the Feast of the Annunciation.
For Liturgical Use
Gabriel, whose name means “man of God” or “God’s might has been shown”, is one of the three angels mentioned by name in the Bible. Gabriel assists Daniel to understand his vision, appears to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist, and is the angel of the annunciation, bringing tidings to Mary that she is to have a son. Appropriately, Gabriel is honoured on the day before the Feast of the Annunciation.
Sentence
O praise the Lord all you angels, you mighty ones who do God’s bidding. Praise the Lord all you heavenly hosts.		Psalm 103:20,21
Collects
Almighty God,
you chose the archangel Gabriel
to proclaim the message of the incarnation,
by which our salvation is assured;
speak to us through your messengers,
that we may serve you as children of light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Praise and glory to you, God in highest heaven,
for the good news Gabriel brings;
give us grace to recognise
and to welcome an infant saviour.
Psalms	91	148:1-6
Readings
Daniel 9:20-23		God’s messenger
Hebrews 1:1-7,13-14	Greater than angels
Luke 1:11-20		Gabriel’s message to Zechariah
Post Communion Sentence
If you conquer, says the Lord, you will be clothed in white robes; I will confess your name before my Father and before the angels.		Revelation 3:5 (adapted)