Saint Michael
As Burnham et al. (2006) record, 100,000 people died in Iraq as a result of the US invasion between 2003 and 2004. Most of these Iraqi citizens were not part of the war but mere collateral damage. I have firsthand experience with this war as a civilian working for the department of state. The horrors I witnessed in Iraq only question the world’s perspective of humanity. Seeing the war that still engulfs the Middle-East only reminds me of the stories that most civilians gave on how they wished that the war was a bad nightmare that they would forget in the morning. As Smith (2008) asserts, the number of people used as human shields, innocent young men profiled as terrorists and forced to join terrorist organizations, displaced women and children, and property destroyed in Iraq a reflection of the changes in humanity. In 2004, during the siege of Najaf, I managed to save another civilian’s life. As an appreciation, he presented me with a figuring of Saint Michael, which has been a part of me ever since. He is currently a United States citizen serving in the army. I never take it off. This artifact has significance across different cultures and religions and is worth taking a minute to talk about.
According to Mason (1979), Saint Michael has been called different names over the ages, cultures, and religions, for example Taxiarch. However, the most notable name is “The Archangel Michael.” According to Holweck (1911), Michael means “God like”. In these diverse outlooks, he has symbolized one thing above others, which is protection. For instance, West (2014) opines that Saint Michael was known as the protector of the Jews. In the book of Daniel, Michael fights wicked angels. Also, in the Book of Revelation from the Holy Bible Chapter twelve verses seven to nine, New International Version, the Archangel Michael wages war against the devil. It is with this knowledge that my interpreter gave me this figurine despite being a Muslim. His intention was that it serves to protect me from all evils. He also told me that the figurine would not only be effective in protecting myself, but also those that I lead. Thus, his actions only show how much faith he had invested in the artifact.
Nonetheless, the question I asked myself then and still seek to understand today is what does this artifact signify to the rest of the world? Christianity encompasses people of different races from all over the world. For them, the Saint Michael figurine holds the taught significance of the archangel although over the course of time. Different denominations within Christianity have adopted diverse teachings. According to Johnson (1998), in the 4th century, for example, the Archangel was seen as a healer. Besides over time, West (2014) argues that Michael was viewed to protect the lord’s armies when waging war against the forces of evil. Does it, therefore, mean that cultures that do not believe in Michael are doomed to suffer his wrath? Not at all, as this context is outdated in current civilization. As in the face of imminent death, we are all humans and would not live with ourselves if we had a chance to save a life and did not. Furthermore, men and women of different socioeconomic status or citizenships should all enjoy his protection as it is a cultural common place.
In addition, quoting Rudolf Steiner’s last address, Saint Michael encourages us to take up the archangel’s power. Also, as Steiner and Bamford (1994) posit, let him penetrate the entirety of our lives to meet the challenges of our time bravely. The 21st century has proved to be one of the most challenging times humanity has had to face. Evidently, various theorists, such as Gurney (1980), have claimed this century to be the last for humanity through end time prophecies. In fighting these battles although not physical, we need him to provide courage and strength in overcoming them. This applies in all spheres of life. Who does not need a powerful person in their corner during a fight? Therefore, the archangel can play an influential part in guiding humanity through tough times as even in death he can rescue the souls of the faithful.
The artifact has had a resounding effect in my life. Using the sword above his head, Saint Michael has pierced the various dimensions of my life. Seeing that figuring hang on my neck helps me master courage in situations where I feel I cannot do it. It has also made me mirror his character in my everyday life in protecting those I care for as well as those around me. Furthermore, seeing and living through what war has done to people, I have seen and experienced many heinous situations. I now believe that it does not matter who you are, life’s situation could always be worse. I also try and emulate his other attributes Cama (1902) highlights; mercy, goodness, and peace (Cama, 1902). Lastly, the pendant motivates me to keep on fighting for my dreams no matter the situation; I keep moving towards my goals. Therefore, the artifact has had its intended purpose on me fulfilled by its persuasive stance.
Moreover, the artifact holds a lot of potential in life. It could serve to remind us that no matter the situation we have, the strength within us serves as the ability to emerge victoriously. Hence, Michael makes us determined beings in our particular endeavors. If we view Michael as a healer, then we can model this in society and help in various reconciliation and healing processes. This can be particularly useful in war-torn areas, interracial conflicts, and other forms of division we face as humans. Nevertheless, West (2014) also contends that the figurine holds the potential for misinterpretation and misuse. People could kill each other in the pretense that the archangel also took it upon himself to wage wars or that he guarantees their protection and success if they do. Thus, it has the potential to be used both for good or destructive purposes.
It is automatic that Michael would be a champion of the Jewish community given his military track record. In the Holy Bible, Michael is described to Daniel in Daniel Chapter 12 verse one as “the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people”. He is seen to give victory to Christians. These communities have bestowed four offices that he is supposed to serve. According to Holweck (1911), these areas are to fight Satan, to rescue the faithful’s soul from damnation in the hour of death, to be the champion of the lord’s people, and to bring men’s soul to judgment. These four roles have validated the various uses of the archangel’s artifacts. For example, as Holweck (2011) argues, in the Middle Ages, the order that the knights would use to go to war in this name. In present day context, these same roles give the use of artifacts in Michael’s name significance. For instance, in my case, the pendant reminds me of how he is tasked with fighting evil. Evil in my interpretation, is the various challenges that are always trying to deter you from your goals. It could also symbolize the various challenges facing humanity as at the moment. Therefore, the discussed impacts, consequences, and uses of the artifact are validated by these principles.
To sum up, an artifact presented to me, a figurine of Saint Michael, during my time in Iraq by my interpreter reminds me that someone always watches over me. After I saved his life, he researched the significance of the figurine to Christians over the centuries and presented it to me although he was from a different religion. This artifact has come to occupy a central role in my life. Just like the protector of the Jews, the pendant reminds me that Michael watches over me in tough times. Although the symbolism of Michael has been prone to gross misinterpretation, it can be a cultural commonplace: A place where no matter our differences, we can come together and push our civilization and humanity to the next level. Knowing the relevance of the artifact has helped me find the courage to do various challenging things in my life as a result of the power it symbolizes. Although the artifact is open to interpretation as seen in history its remarkable potential is rightfully used. I hope to pass the figurine to someone else and influence a generation into embracing diversity in life and always be fearless. Thank you!
References
Burnham, G., Lafta, R., Doocy, S., & Roberts, L. (2006). Mortality after the 2003 invasion of Iraq: a cross-sectional cluster sample survey. The Lancet, 368(9545), 1421-1428.
Cama, M.K. (1902). St. Michael of the Christians and Mithra of the Zoroastrians-A comparison. Bombay, India: The British India Press.
Gurney, R. M. (1980). God in control: An exposition of the prophecies of Daniel. West Sussex, Eng: H.E. Walter.
Holweck, F. (1911). St. Michael the Archangel: In the Catholic encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10275b.htm
Johnson, R. F. (1998). Archangel in the margins: St. Michael in the homilies of Cambridge, Corpus Christi College 41. Tradition, 53, 63-91.
Mason, H. J. (1979). Longus and the topography of Lesbos. Transactions of the American Philological Association (1974-), 109, 149-163.
Smith, T. W. (2008). Protecting civilians… or soldiers? Humanitarian law and the economy of risk in Iraq. International Studies Perspectives, 9(2), 144-164.
Steiner, R., & Bamford, C. (1994). The Archangel Michael: His mission and ours. Hudson, N.Y: Anthroposophic Press.
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
West, C. (2014). St. Michael the Archangel in late antiquity. Colorado, USA: University of Colorado.
