The most extraordinary conflict that ever took place did not happen between men. It happened in heaven, before the dawn of humanity.
Sacred Scripture gives us this moment in Revelation 12:7–9:
“Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.”
As the celestial battle raged, St. Michael’s cry rang out: “Who is like unto God?”
It was not a question seeking an answer. It was a declaration. No one is like unto God. No creature can rival the Creator. No rebellion can dethrone the Author of life.
That battle was not the end of spiritual warfare. In many ways, it was the beginning.
With St. Michael as their captain, the angels continue to defend and guard the world and mankind from evil. And the battle cry of the archangel still echoes in the hearts of those who love and acknowledge God.
The Church has long turned to St. Michael for protection in this spiritual struggle. After a mysterious vision following Mass in the 1880s, Pope Leo XIII composed the famous Prayer to St. Michael, asking that it be prayed after Mass for the protection of the Church and the faithful.
For generations, Catholics have prayed:
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil…”
Pope St. John Paul II encouraged Catholics in 1994 not to forget this powerful prayer, urging the faithful to invoke St. Michael frequently for protection against the forces of evil.
The Church has always understood that the Christian life is not passive. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle.
As St. Paul writes:
“Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
St. Michael stands at the front lines of that battle. He is the protector of the Church, defender of souls, and champion against the powers of darkness.
His ancient cry still resounds today: Who is like unto God?
For men seeking to live their faith with courage and clarity, this battle cry remains just as relevant now as it was before the beginning of time
Because the battle did not end in heaven. And St. Michael still fights for us.
If you want to go deeper into what spiritual combat looks like in daily life, The Sword and the Shield: A 40-Day Devotional Journey for Men offers practical reflections and prayers rooted in this same reality: that the Christian life calls us to vigilance, discipline, and trust in God’s strength. Find yours today at The Catholic Company!
