Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Angels capture our imagination. Society loves to depict angels in movies and television series because they are exciting and exotic. Biblically, this is true as well. Imagine suddenly seeing a giant eye-covered wheel (look up biblically accurate angels) before you. I would need that angel’s voice to tell me, as is often depicted, “Be not afraid!” Popular images are less frightening, employing a human figure, typically in white, with wings. Even then, the reality of angels can be overwhelming.
Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that each child has an angel that “looks upon the face of my heavenly father.” The guardian angels have been assigned to each of us to protect and guard us through life. It is not uncommon for us to pray to our guardian angels to keep us from harm. However, there is much more. Because they are in the Father’s presence, they are also called to lead us to him. They guard not only our physical bodies, they also guard our souls. They are called to remind us of God’s love, law, and hope for us.
Have you ever considered those special moments of love we feel? Perhaps it is our guardian angel whispering God’s loving word. Or perhaps we feel guilt over an anticipated thought or action? Is it not possible that our guardian angel is trying to protect our moral integrity by reminding us of God’s law?
Our guardian angels have been tasked with guiding us to God. Pray that we are guided well, open to their promptings, and that God’s grace overcomes all our weaknesses.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne, Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections