Holy Guardian Angels
Mathew 18:1-5,10
A call to be angels

Today marks the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Our journey through life requires the assistance of companions, protectors, and guides to shield us from danger and steer us clear of potential pitfalls. The Lord has promised us special helpers to accompany us on life’s path. Today, we rejoice in God’s promise: “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared.”

In a sermon about guardian angels, Pope Francis discusses the Church tradition, which teaches that each of us has an angel who watches over us. He posed a series of questions to his audience: “What is my relationship like with my guardian angel? Do I pay attention to him? Do I greet him in the morning? Do I ask him to watch over me while I sleep? Do I converse with him? Do I seek his guidance? Is he by my side?”

Our guardian angels accompany us on our journey of faith, guarding us from evil and leading us towards our final destination. The followers of Jesus are worried about what Pope Francis refers to as ‘careerism’. They are asking, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ While striving to advance their own careers and social status, people tend to overlook, neglect, or mock the so-called ‘little ones’ of society, such as the poor, the weak, and the elderly. It is against this societal injustice that the Lord promises the protection of the Guardian angels, saying, “See that you do not despise any of these little ones…”

Caring for the vulnerable is especially significant in the world today. In recent years, the Church has been called to account for failing to protect the vulnerable, especially in cases of abuse and neglect. The Gospel challenges us to become guardian angels to ensure the safety and care of all, particularly for children and those who are marginalised.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024