THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS (MEMORIAL)

Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

Today we celebrate someone who has been by your side since the day you were born. Someone who has watched you grow, say your first words, and take your first steps. Someone who knows your struggles and accomplishments, your flaws and talents. Someone who has constantly cared for you and helped lead you toward greater holiness.

Your guardian angel!

Angels have long been recognized in Scripture and Catholic tradition, and people have been praying to them for centuries. In today’s Gospel(Matthew 18:1-5, 10), Jesus acknowledges the guardian angels of children. But guardian angels are for everyone, no matter what your age.

The Church teaches that every single person has a guardian angel. Think about that. People who deny the existence of God have guardian angels. So does your irritating coworker or the rude customer. Everyone, from the best to the worst! Nothing we do can make our guardian angels abandon us. They are an excellent example of God’s mercy and love for everyone.

Today, Jesus is telling us to “become like children” (Matthew 18:3). It may be hard for us grownups to accept the idea of angels, especially the idea of a guardian angel who watches over us. But it comes naturally to little children. For most of them, the idea that an invisible being is praying for them and protecting them is not absurd at all.

So maybe for today, you can try to recapture a bit of that childlike innocence and wonder as you pray. As you place yourself in God’s presence, imagine your guardian angel sitting there with you. Imagine that angel joining you in praise and worship, in intercession, and in quiet listening to the Lord. Take comfort in knowing that you are never, ever alone!

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.”

Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
Psalm 69:33-37
Matthew 18:1-5, 10

WORD AMONG US