We have a Guardian Angel. Breakfast with the Word Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Breakfast with the Word Feast of the Guardian Angels
Matthew 18:1-5, 10
We have a Guardian Angel
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels. This reminds us of an ultimate truth that we are never alone.
God does not create us and abandon us into this world to wander away from morning till night and go through life alone. He gives us His angels to help, serve, minister, inspire and guard us.
While you are busy facing the struggles of life, there is an angel assigned by God who is concerned about your journey. You may not see your Guardian Angel, but not everything that protects you is visible.
Take your time and think of the dangers you escaped without knowing how, the journey that could have ended differently, the decision you suddenly felt uncomfortable making, the delay that annoyed you but perhaps protected you, the thought that quietly whispered, “Do not go there,” “Stop,” “Pray,” “Turn back,” “Do the right thing.”
We may never know how many times God has protected us through the ministry of His angels. These angels are real.
Who are the Guardian Angels
Guardian angels are angels assigned by God to assist, help and protect us.They are always there to guide us and help us achieve God’s purpose in life.
When we follow their guidance we will find real joy, peace, freedom and victory in whatever we do. They only exist to help and assist us in whatever we do.
They are like our personal and direct connection to God. Because of their spiritual nature, we may not see them but they are real.
The Presence of Guardian Angels
The presence of guardian angels is real. They are always there to tell us what to do and what not to do. Sometimes despite their unseen nature, their presence can be felt.
However, one thing with them is that they do not infringe on our freedom. They will always inspire us on what to do, but we rather obey them or do otherwise.
This is why despite their presence, things happen to us either because we do not listen to them or we do not involve them in our day to day activities.
The Gospel of Today
When the disciples of Jesus are arguing on who is the greatest among them in the gospel of today, Jesus places a child in their midst and exhorts that the only way to enter into the kingdom of God is to be like the child.
Jesus warns his disciples not to despise any of them because their angels are continually in the presence of the Almighty Father in Heaven.
By this statement, Jesus is telling us that guardian angels are real, and these angels have access into the glorious presence of God.
Just like it does not necessarily mean that one must come back and be a child to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus’ use of children here could also mean all who trust in Him, all who follow Him and all who were created by God.
This is also an indication that angels are not assigned only to children but to everyone. Therefore, to do not despise these little ones in essence means do not despise those who come to God with faith and humility of heart.
Scriptural Foundation
The first clear reference to the presence of guidance angels is seen in the book of Kings, when the King of Syria sent troops to capture Elisha.
Elisha’s servant became afraid seeing that a mighty army had surrounded the city. However, Elisha prays to God to open the eyes of his servant and behold there are angels already protecting Elisha (2 Kings 6: 8-17.).
Also in the gospel of today, Jesus’ use of “these little ones” could also mean “ these simple, loving, and humble disciples” who have angels who are continually before God.
Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are ministering spirits who are sent to constantly serve those who are in Christ Jesus. Isaiah 63:9 also talks about the angel of His presence who is always there to save.
We have Guardian Angels
Guardian angels have always been accepted by not only the church, but by most people of all faiths. There are saints who have practiced interactions with their guardian angels.
These angels want to be involved in our daily routines but only if we give them a chance.
They know us more than we know ourselves. They are always there to assist us in prayers, protecting and averting any possible danger.
They always inspire us to do good and restrain from evil. We need to involve them.
Just as the body exists, so also the spirit, that we do not see the spirit is not a reason to believe that spirits are only imaginations.
Heaven is more involved in your life
The pure truth that we must accept and believe is that Heaven is more involved in our lives. The psalmist says “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). What a powerful promise!
Heaven is more involved in your life than you realize. You may feel forgotten by people, but you are not forgotten by God.
You may walk into a room alone, travel alone, cry alone, or face a difficult decision alone, but spiritually, you are never completely alone.
How To Relate and Connect with Your Guardian Angel
Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation”. It is good to detail how we can relate or connect with these ministering spirits.
1. Ask for Their Help
In Exodus 23:20, God tells the isrealites ” “Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared.”
Therefore, do not be afraid to ask your Guardian Angel for help, especially when you are confused, afraid, tempted, travelling, or facing an important decision. God gives His angels the mission of helping and protecting us.
A simple prayer can be: “Holy Guardian Angel, guide me and help me to choose what is pleasing to God.”
2. Thank God for Them and Appreciate Their Help Always.
Try and develop the habit of thanking God for the gift of your Guardian Angel. You may never know how many dangers, accidents, temptations, or wrong decisions you have escaped through God’s hidden protection.
At the end of the day, you can simply say: “Lord, thank You for the angel You have given to watch over me.”
3. Use Silence and Meditation
Sometimes, stop everything. Become still. Remain silent for a few moments and become conscious that you are not spiritually alone. Quietly acknowledge his presence and unseen care around you. The Bible says “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)
4. Use Holy Spiritual Imagination
Imagine yourself walking, praying, travelling, or working while your Guardian Angel accompanies you according to God’s will. The purpose is not fantasy, but to keep your heart conscious of God’s protection. Today in the gospel, Jesus says, “Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10)
You can remind yourself: “Wherever I go, God has not abandoned me. His angel accompanies me.”
5. Make Constant Affirmations of Faith.
Frequently remind yourself of the presence and protection of God’s angels. You can say quietly: “My Guardian Angel is watching over me,” “I am not walking alone,” or “God has given His angels charge over me.” remember that the Bible says in Psalm 34:7 that the the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”
6. Trust Completely in God’s Angelic Protection
Fear can sometimes make us forget that heaven is involved in our journey. Trust that God is able to protect, guide, and accompany you through His angels according to His providence.
7. Pay Attention During Quiet Moments and Ask for Inspiration.
Create moments of silence before important decisions. Pray first. Ask God to guide your conscience and ask your Guardian Angel to assist you in recognising what is good, true, and pleasing to God. The Bible says “Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
Therefore, before making an important decision, pray: “Holy Guardian Angel, inspire me, help me listen to God. Protect me from confusion and lead me toward what is right.”
A true relationship with your Guardian Angel should always lead you closer to God, never away from Him. The angel does not take the place of Jesus.
The angel helps you follow Jesus. The more conscious you become of your Guardian Angel, the more conscious you should become of the God who lovingly sent that angel to accompany you.
As we celebrate the memorial of our guardian angels, we ask God to help us to understand more of the mysteries about Him. May He never allow you to be defeated by any circumstance. Amen.
Fr Sanctus Mario
