The blessed companionship of our Guardian Angel
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels (October 2, 2020): JB 38:1,12-21;40:3-5; PS 139:1-3,7-8,9-10,13-14; 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.
Our loving Creator wants everyone to have as much spiritual help and guidance as possible...
On this feast day we honor all of God’s holy angels who serve as guardians of His people on earth. The idea is based on Scripture although not specifically referenced by it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. Basil the Great, a Doctor of the Church, who lived in the 4th century, “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Our loving Creator wants everyone to have as much spiritual help and guidance as possible as we make our way through life and toward our heavenly home. In the Gospel today we hear how Jesus responded when asked who the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is. Whatever the questioner and the other people present thought our Lord might say, they would not have expected Him to call a child in the crowd to come over to Him. Christ then proceeds to let them know that that they will not even enter heaven unless they become like children. And as for the original question, He announces, “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 18:4-5, 10).
Jesus wants us to understand that angels, God’s messengers, serve Him not only with their worship but also with their care for us. While we may tend to see the beautiful connection between guardian angels and children, we may forget each one person – whatever our age – has been gifted with a heavenly companion. We can ask for their help in avoiding sin and harm and in doing good as we go about our day. And when we finally enter our eternal home we will meet the angel who has been entrusted with the well being of our souls. We can start thanking God now for this great blessing.
For resources for the celebration of World Mission Sunday / Mission Month, including materials for prayer and reflection, visit this website.
