Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Just 3 days ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Archangels, Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. These are the three angels named in the bible. Today, we celebrate a smaller feast (what the Church calls a 'memorial'), the feast of our guardian angels.
The term guardian angels refers to the belief that each person has an angel who is available to shepherd their soul through life, and help bring them to God. In short, a guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person. Without dwelling on the various passages in the New Testament where the doctrine of guardian angels is suggested, it may suffice to mention the angel who succoured Christ in the garden, and the angel who delivered St. Peter from prison. Hebrews 1:14 puts the doctrine in its clearest light: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?" This is the function of the guardian angels; they are to lead us, if we wish it, to the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you ever wonder whether God cares for you? Today's feast reminds us that God cares for us each, individually. God has assigned a specific guardian angel to watch over us night and day (Ps 34:7, Mt 18:10, Ac 12:15). I guess the greatest challenge for us today is the acknowledgment of God's guardian angels to us. We always have the tendency to ignore them. Let us take advantage of this - for we are not alone in life! Our guardian angel is always with us!
Everyday when we rise to go about our day and make a morning offering let us thank God for His mercy and pray that our guardian angel protects our body and soul in the day ahead.
Post Note:
This is the traditional Catholic prayer to one's guardian angel.
Angel of God, my guardian dear
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day/night be at my side
to light, to guard, to rule and guide.
Angel of God, my guardian dear
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day/night be at my side
to light, to guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
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