Dean John writes…

‘War broke out in heaven…’ Perhaps this seems odd. And yet, The Revelation to St John the Divine, the last book of the Bible, tells us it was so. This seems to have too much in common with the tragically high number of places in the world where, today, conflict seems to reign. Our hearts go out to innocent victims and their families – Sudanese, Ukrainians, Russians, Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese… you will be able to think of more. The impression is that evil seems to have the upper hand. Well, the feast we keep on Sunday, St. Michaels and all Angels, wants to encourage us with the assertion that the ways of God, of righteousness and peace, will prevail. 

The Book of Revelation carries on, ‘Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.’ The Dragon, the force of evil, also had angels (literally messengers), doing their worst to create and sustain conflict and division through false witness and deceit. The good news is that Michael and his angles, campaigning for God and for good, were victorious. 

This is the message of hope which is proclaimed from the holiest point in Ripon Cathedral. Above the High Altar gleams the magnificent reredos (altar screen) designed by Ninian Comper to commemorate the fallen of the First World War. Standing high and tall upon it are three striking triumphant figures, Christ (cleanshaven to remind us of the young men who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace), St Michael to the north of Christ, slaying the serpent (the ancient deceiver), and St. George, running through the famous dragon, to the south of Christ. The encouragement we receive from reflecting on the victories of Michael and George is perceived as a pale reflection of that victory won by Christ on the cross, and confirmed in his resurrection. There, in the midst of history, is seen the end of things – the triumph of good over evil, of truth over false witness and deception, of peace over conflict. 

In a world which all too often gives the impression of preferring conflict to peace, St. Michael and all the angels of God encourage us to see the bigger, final picture, revealed perfectly by Christ. Putting our trust in Christ and his victory can give us the confidence and determination to stand with the angels to support, pray for, and speak up for the victims of tyranny, hatred, false witness, deceit and conflict. 

Please, if you are able, join us at any of our services on Sunday to celebrate this great feast. The preacher at the 10.30am Festal Eucharist is Bishop Gordon Bates, retired Bishop of Whitby. Following the 3.30pm Festal Evensong, we will be launching the new Choir CD – in time for another great feast, Christmas. 

With my best wishes

Dean John