Today, October 2, is
the Feast of the Guardian Angels
Scripture for
meditation: Psalm 91:11For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Scripture for
reflection: Matthew 18:10
See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for
I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father
who is in heaven.
Rev. Hugo Hoever,
S.O.Cist., Ph.D. tells us: The angels are pure spirits endowed with a
natural intelligence, will, power and beauty, far surpassing the nature,
faculties and powers of man. The angels number millions and thousands of
millions around the throne of God; praising Him and serving Him as messengers
and ministers, and as guardians of men on earth. They are divided into three
hierarchies: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones; Dominations, Principalities and
Powers; Virtues, Archangels and Angels. Those blessed spirits who are appointed
by God to be protectors and defenders of men are called Guardian Angels. Faith
teaches us that each individual has a Guardian Angel who watches over him
during the whole course of his life. It is also a generally accepted doctrine
that communities, the Church, dioceses, and nations also have their tutelary
angels. The Guardian Angels defend those of whom they have charge against the
assaults of the devils of soul or body, particularly from sin and the occasions
of sin; they endeavor to keep us in the right path. If we fall, they help us to
rise again, encourage us to become more and more virtuous, suggest good
thoughts and holy desires, offer our prayers and good actions to God; and,
above all, assist us at the hour of death. (Lives
of the Saints, Catholic Book Publishing Co. NY, 1955)
Prayer: Guardian
Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, My Guardian Dearto whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
to light and guard and rule and guide.
Amen.
My thoughts: Angels are perhaps the most misunderstood beings in all of God’s heaven. St. Thomas Aquinas tells us God created angels when He created the heavens. Nowhere in the entire Bible does it say they are deceased humans who somehow have to “get their wings” (remember what happens when a bell rings). We do know they are powerful- like Michael; messengers – like Gabriel; protectors – like Raphael, and guardians, like our very own angels. God is such a loving Father that He has assigned each and every one of us our own body guards to protect us against the forces of evil in the world. It is a wonderful idea to name your guardian angel, and pray to him. It is a mistake to picture him as some soft airy creature that couldn’t hurt a fly – angels are God’s armies, and they are here to protect and defend us. Pray to your Guardian Angel when tempted to sin, when in harm’s way, or when you need a companion. Your angel is always there, watching over you.
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