To Light and Guard, To Rule and Guide

Prayer with the Angels

September 29 – Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

October 2 – Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

“Go where we will, our angels are always with us.” –St. Augustine

Present Since Creation

Angels are spirit beings created by God  with “intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #330) Angels have been present since creation and appear often in scripture, though only three are named. Angels guarded Eden after the Fall, were entertained by Abram and Sarai, wrestled with Jacob, assisted the prophets, walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, announced the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and prophesied the Second Coming at Christ’s Ascension, surround us today, and will be the heralds when Christ comes again.

“Angels can fly because they take themselves so lightly.” –G.K. Chesterton

Messengers and Mediators

Angels are servants, messengers, mediators, and evangelists. “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).  Though they are created with free will, God’s faithful angels serve in obedience and humility. According to St. Augustine, “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”

“Beside each believer stands an Angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life.” – St. Basil the Great

Guardian Angels

Much like the angel Clarence in It’s A Wonderful Life, Our guardian angel is not there to protect us from pain, suffering, or especially from the natural consequences of our choices, but to help get us to heaven. We are most at peace when we cooperate with our guardian angel. How much easier will our angel’s job be when we attend Mass often. “How happy is that guardian angel who accompanies a soul to Holy Mass!” (St. John Vianney) We are given a gift in the Eucharist, a gift which our angel cannot share. “If the Angels could envy, they would envy us for Holy Communion.” (Pope St. Pius X). The prayer we learned as children is one we should continue to pray often.

Angel of God

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.

St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Rafael, Holy Angels of God. Pray for us.

Featured Image:The Guardian Angel by Gaspar de Crayer. 17th Century oil on canvas Museum Lueven, Belgium. http://barokinvlaanderen.vlaamsekunstcollectie.be/nl/collectie/de-beschermengel, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38215730