Today we honor our heavenly protectors and guides
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels (October 2, 2018): JB 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; PS 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8; MT 18:1-5, 10
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we salute those heavenly spirits who accompany us throughout life to intercede for us and protect us from evil.
All angels are intelligent and immortal spiritual beings with free will who glorify and serve God. Jesus spoke particularly about how angels look after the most vulnerable among us: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of My heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10). Yet the Church reminds us that every person, of every age, has a personal guardian angel.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a major monastic reformer of the 12th-century and Doctor of the Church, was a great proponent of recognizing guardian angels as a special gift from God to His children on earth. He wrote, “these celestial spirits have been placed at our sides to protect us, instruct us, and to guide us.” We can thank God for the care He provides through our guardian angels. And we can ask our angels every day to keep us from harm of body and, especially, soul. It can also be comforting to recall that they are with us now – and will be with us in heaven where together we will adore God for all eternity.
October is Mission Month.
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