Holy Guardian Angels, Protect Us

Readings: 1^st: Jb 38:1.12-21; 40:3-5; Ps:138; Gos: Mt 18:1-5. 10

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Friday of the twenty-sixth week of ordinary time, the Church celebrates the memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.

The idea that each soul has a personal guardian angel assigned to it has been long accepted by the Church. This is the truth of our faith.

Angels are servants and messengers from God. “Angel” in Greek means messenger. In unseen ways, they help us on our earthly pilgrimage by assisting us in work and study. They help us in temptation and protect us from physical danger.

In today’s gospel, Christ highlighted this role of the guardian angels: “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.”

Indeed, they are not meant for only children but for all who humble themself and walk innocently. It natural for children to walk innocently, even in dangerous places with fear of anything.

So, when we develop child-like innocence, which equally comes with trust that we are walking in the presence of God, and our guardian angel also walks with us.

The Catholic Church’s Catechism assures us and states that “the existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith (328).”

So, from our birth until our death, man is surrounded by the protection and intercession of angels, particularly our guardian angel: “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life (336).”

So, as we honor our guardian angels today, let us ask God to help us develop a child-like trust and innocence so that our guardian angel may continue to accompany and protect us.

Holy Guardian Angels, Protect Us

Peace be with you all.

Maranatha!