God has entrusted Guardian Angels with the special care of His people
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels (October 2, 2021): BAR 4:5-12,27-29; PS 69:33-35,36-37; 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.
The constant companionship of an angel especially entrusted with our spiritual care is a great blessing. They intercede on our behalf...
On this Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels we celebrate those messengers of God sent to care for the welfare of His beloved little ones, as well as all men and women. In the Gospel reading we hear from Jesus just how close these spirits are to the Almighty: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in My name receives Me. 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). Christ wanted His followers to appreciate God’s love and concern for children and to better grasp the attention He pays to looking after the welfare of every person. This is true not only of Christians, but of all people of every faith and of no faith. The constant companionship of an angel especially entrusted with our spiritual care is a great blessing. They intercede on our behalf and help us to avoid sin. And on those occasions when we fail, they help us seek His forgiveness. However, we must remember that since we are created with reason and free will, it is up to us to accept – or reject – this extraordinary help which is provided by God Himself.
Pope Benedict XVI said that “The Lord is ever close and active in humanity’s history and accompanies us with the unique presence of His Angels, whom today the Church venerates as ‘Guardian Angels,’ that is, ministers of the divine care for every human being. From the beginning until the hour of death, human life is surrounded by their constant protection.” We should embrace the angelic guidance God offers us as one more proof of how much He cherishes us, not only as little children, but throughout our life on earth. We can pray to our Guardian Angel each day, asking for assistance in cooperating with God’s grace.
