Guardian Angels

Who really believes in angels?

The ancient Greeks and Jews spoke of angels.

Plato’s writings show that he believed in angels.

Our Sacred Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, have many references to angels.

Jesus, himself, often spoke of angels.

We have a few recent examples.

In our Gospel on this memorial of the Guardian Angels, Jesus says of the “little ones”:

… their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

And last Saturday, on the Feast of St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael—

Yes, they’re called Saints, but they’re better know as Archangels—

Jesus said:  … you will see heaven opened

and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

The Pharisees got their share of criticism from Jesus.

But they were more in tune with Jesus than their rivals, the Sadducees were.

Pharisees believed in angels; Sadducees didn’t.

We don’t find angels mentioned in our Creed.

They’re not among the required articles of faith.

And yet, most of our saints, theologians and leaders have confirmed their belief in angels.

To name just a very few:

St Peter and St Paul confirmed their belief in angels.

As did St Thomas Aquinas.

And Pope Saint Gregory the Great and Pope John Paul II.

The Church makes its position pretty clear.

Designating October 2^nd as a memorial for Guardian Angels,

And September 29^th as a Feast for the three Archangels.

Belief in angels may not be explicitly required, but it certainly seems to be presumed.

Our culture and art suggest a widespread belief in angels. 

Little Zuzu believed in Clarence and other angels in It’s a Wonderful Life. 

In fact, a survey last year indicated that 80% of Americans believe in angels. 

But how strong is that belief? 

How "real" are those angels to us?

What do we do with that belief?

Some of us have neglected our guardian angels since childhood.

We made them victims by association, with Santa Claus and Easter Bunny.

Those of us who have done that should consider Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel:

Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

And we might recall that old prayer from childhood:

Angel of God, my guardian dear

to whom God's love commits me here.

Ever this day be at my side

to light, to guard, to rule and guide.

Read This Scripture @ usccb.org

Mt 18:1-5