Angels Guardian 2nd Oct

Saint of the day: 2nd October

Guardian Angels

The notion of heavenly beings worshipping God and ready to do his bidding has been taken from Jewish thought and placed in the heart of Christian worship.

The ancient Jews believed that angels served both individuals and nations. Jesus accepted this idea too. He said the angels would support him at his second coming. Once he took a little child and spoke to his followers about becoming like children and caring for them. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones," Jesus said: "For I tell you that their angels always behold the face of my Father in heaven."

The notion of Guardian Angels is implicit in Our Lord's own teaching. And in his own life on earth they are recorded in the Gospels many times. They minister to him in the wilderness and they care for him in the Garden of Gesthemane. Had he wished, they would have fought against his captors. They are present at his resurrection.

The belief that we each have a guardian angel has been common to Christians for many centuries.

The picture of a guardian angel that we often see is an angel protecting a little child as he or she walks over a small bridge.

In 1608, Pope Paul V added today's feast to the calendar of saints and celebrations. It is very encouraging to know and believe that we each have an angel guarding and protecting us. Our guardian angel is a gift from our loving God.

St Bernard wrote: "In any great trouble, in any strong temptation, call upon your Guardian Angel who is your guide and your helper, in any difficulty and in any time of need."

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love entrusts me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Praying in Agony

Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46

MEDITATION OF THE DAY The Guardian Angels - 2nd October "Our human weakness is protected by the assis­tance of angels, and in all our perils, provided faith remain with us, we are defended by the aid of the spiritual Powers" (Saint Gregory of Nyssa). But the assistance of the angel of peace is not only a protection against dangers. It is also a positive aid. Thus the Gospel of Luke shows an angel comforting Christ in his agony. The angels bring interior peace into the soul. Hennas, accordingly, mentioned among the characteristics of the good angel that he is "gen­tle and peaceful." Gregory of Nyssa writes that "the Lord of the angels procures life and peace through his angels for those who are worthy." This facet of the activity of the angels is cast in sharp relief by Saint Athanasius in the Life of Saint Antony, in opposition to the turmoil into which the demons throw the soul: "The vision of the angels works softly and peaceably, awakening joy and exultation." This idea is found again throughout the spiritual tradition. Saint Ignatius writes in the "Rules for the Discernment of Spirits": "It is characteristic of God and his angels that in their activity they give true joy and spiritual exultation, while removing the sadness and affliction that the enemy excites." CARDINAL JEAN DANIELOU (+ 1974) was a French Jesuit, a theologian, and a peritus at Vatican II.