October 02: Mathew 18: 1-5, 10 (Solemnity of Guardian Angels) HUMAN ANGELS
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).
Jesus’ prediction of the imminent passion and death seemed to have fallen on deaf ears because the disciples were concerned about positioning themselves into hierarchy in the Kingdom of Heaven. By placing a child amidst them Jesus teaches them that Heaven is not earned by superior qualities but by meekness, trust and humility reflected among children who are still innocent about the wickedness of the world and thus children amidst us ‘human angels’ personifying angels.
Our celebration of guardian angels today reminds us of a mysterious dimension of creation i.e. the invisible world – the world of spiritual beings who are God’s own hands protecting us from spiritual harms.
St. Jerome reminds us of the roles of guardian angels, “Great is the dignity of the human soul, since each one of them has from the very outset of life an angel deputed to safeguard.” Traditionally five roles are attributed to Guardian Angels in our lives.
(1) Create aversion to evil circumstances.
(2) Hold demons in check as they may harm human beings.
(3) Encourage us to offer prayers and good works to God.
(4) Inflict medicinal punishments conducive to salvation.
(5) Assist us at the moment of death from last temptation.
This day also reminds us of our call to be guardian angels or human angels. The first responsibility entrusted by the Lord to the human beings was to take care of His creation. But the first rejection of this responsibility by humanity is seen in Cain’s question to God, ‘I am not the guardian of my brother.’ We are reminded of our guardian ministry by taking care of God’s creation. Let us remember in a special way those who have specially dedicated themselves for guardian ministry especially those who take care of the orphans and neglected. Amen!