Memorial of the Guardian Angels(Click here for readings)
The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said... "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven... 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."
Close encounter of the third kind. Other than breaking a bad tradition that had endured for centuries - namely, despising children and treating them like trash - the Lord shared with His disciples an astonishing fact: We have guardian angels!
God's Secret Service. Just like the President's secret service, we have angels that protect us, guard us, defend us, watch over us and guide us. But unlike the President's secret service, they don't hesitate or appear to be confused. They do not embarrass God or man.
However, there is a problem. We don't like to listen to them.
Just like our President and our Pope, we don't like to be bothered by a lot of fuss or attention. In fact, we'd like to run away from it. Actually, we'd prefer they - our guardian angels - resign! Why? Because like any secret service, they take "all the fun out of life to make it easier to protect our life."
We'd rather speed, then go the speed limit. We'd rather be crazy, then be responsible. We'd rather party, then do some work.
In the case of the Pope, it's been revealed he likes to slip out of the Vatican, unaccompanied, and in the middle of the night, to share some food with the poor. It's also been revealed he doesn't like having any of his bodyguards next to him. Why? Probably because he doesn't like all the attention. Maybe that's one of the reasons why guardian angels remain anonymous and hidden. They aim to please.
Attention is not what they seek. What they seek most is our ear. Lend me your ear!
And just like the President of the United States, we like to override our guardians decisions. We like to tell them how they should be doing their job or telling them to stay out of our business. You see, we don't always listen to sound advice or heed the advice of those who love us.
Why? Because we like to think we know better.
That's probably why the Lord, in calling over a child and placing it in front of the Apostles, combined two lessons into one: Let the guardian angels do their job, and be more child-like.
Angel sent by God to guide me.
Be my light and walk beside me.
Be my Guardian and protect me.
On the paths of Life direct me.
Amen.
It was such a welcome surprise to celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels at mass this morning. How beautiful our Catholic faith is!
ReplyDeleteI was so fortunate to be raised by parents who constantly reminded me of the presence of my guardian angel. Definitely the body guard (especially when I drive) but not someone I like to keep secret! I like the idea that I am so special to God that he has assigned me my own special angel. How much God must value each of us to do that! How sacred and precious each life is.
I read on a popular Catholic website today that guardian angels present our souls to God at death. Isn't that a beautiful truth? It's like an earthly father presenting his daughter to her future husband at the altar, a confirmation sponsor presenting the candidate to the bishop, or a parent presenting their child for Baptism. We have someone to walk with us as we meet God himself. How incredible!
"May the angels lead you into paradise;
may the martyrs come to welcome you
and take you to the holy city,
the new and eternal Jerusalem." (Rite of Christian Burial)