We say in the Creed that God is the “maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” This tells us there is a whole other world of beings that God created beyond what is visible to us – I’m talking about angels.
The Youth Catechism tells us that “angels are pure spiritual creatures of God who have both understanding (or intellect) and Free Will.” (YouCat 54) We also have Free Will and intellect, but there is a vast difference between our intellect and an angel’s intellect. They are far superior to us in that regard. Another difference is our physical makeup. We are bound to the earth in our physical bodies, whereas angels, who are pure spirits, have no such limitation. “They have no bodies and cannot die. They live constantly in God’s presence and convey God’s will and God’s protection to men.” (YouCat 54)
Angels in Scripture
We find the presence of angels throughout Sacred Scripture. Another sign of a Father’s love for his children, angels appear as protectors, guides, and messengers. They inspire, minister and sing joyful praise to God.
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
“For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” – Psalm 91:11-12
“Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered. One cried out to the other: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!’” – Isaiah 6:2-3
“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.’” – Luke 1:13
“Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.” – Matthew 4:11
Guardian Angels
The Church teaches us that although we cannot see angels, we can interact with them. God gives each human being a guardian angel for the very purpose of acting as our protector and guide. The primary job of the guardian angel is not to make sure that nothing bad ever happens to us, but to guide us to heaven. We can and should call on them, asking them to intercede with God on our behalf and keep us safe from physical and spiritual harm. Most children are taught the simple Prayer to My Guardian Angel to ask for their protection.
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. Amen.
Powerful Warriors
Guardian angels are much more than spiritual babysitters who look after small children, keeping them safe from harm. Angels are powerful warriors. They are our allies in the spiritual battle against evil forces in the world. With temptation all around us, we never outgrow our need for them. If there are areas of our lives where we feel weak or susceptible to sin, we can confidently call on our guardian angels for support.
© 2018 Catechist’s Aide
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