May the Lord give you peace in the Holy Spirit. It is 2nd October 2023. We celebrate the memorial of the Guardian Angels.
The readings are from Exodus 23:20-23; and the Gospel from Matthew 18:1-5, 10.
St. Jerome affirms the mind of the Church, “How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from birth an angel commissioned to guard it.”
A teacher picked three students from her classroom and told them to bring anything that expresses love. One brought flowers, and another had a butterfly. But one student came back empty handed. The teacher asked the reason why she came empty. She said that she saw the beautiful flower and butterfly and allowed it to be beautiful. Hearing the reply, the teacher applauded the child telling: True love accompanies never occupies or deprives.
A symbol of true love is the Guardian angels.
The Catechism teaches us in No. 336 “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.” St. Thomas Aquinas adds, “The angels work together for the benefit of us all.”
True indeed, we see the guidance and protection of the angels in the life of Tobit, Daniel (Dan.10), Peter (Acts12:6-10) and Jesus.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.” We all make this prayer as we always trust them near us.
In the first reading, God wants us to follow the guidance of them to reach God. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” (Ex.23:20). God promises us that God’s angel will go before us. Our work is to pay attention and listen carefully the instructions of our Guardian Angels. When was the last time we ever communicate and get the guidance from the Guardian Angel assigned to us?
The Psalm reminds us that ‘The Lord has commanded his angels to keep you in all your ways’.
Jesus said: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look up on the face of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10). “Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14). “For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.” (Ps. 90:11).
May we allow ourselves to be guided by the Guardian Angel until we reach Heaven. May you have a lovely day. God bless you.