Guardian Angels
Readings:
Job 9:1-13,14-16
Matthew 18:1-5,10

Reflection
One of the central themes Pope Francis brings out in his talks is about the pilgrim church. It resonates Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, “The Church while on earth it journeys in a foreign land away from the Lord, is like in exile.” As a pilgrim, one travels far from home, facing many dangers and moving without rest. I can relate with this quite vividly as I have just returned after some pilgrimages during my holidays – moving without rest but enjoying every bit. This sense of Church as a pilgrim is based on the truth that heaven is our true home.
As a pilgrim Church heading towards heaven is a meaningful journey. And this journey is made along with beautiful companions, both visible and invisible. Of course, the visible companions are the family, friends, work mates and even strangers and so on. Invisible companions are the angels, saints and all our departed brothers and sisters.
Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy guardian angels. As ‘piety’ is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we can confidently say that the catholic piety towards guardian angels is so comforting. Especially to the parents who believe that an angel protects their little ones from dangers real and imagined. Yet they are not only for children.
The concept of an angel guiding and nurturing each human being is a development of Catholic doctrine and piety based on Scripture but not directly drawn from it. In Matthew 18:10 Jesus says, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Guardian angels play the role of representing us before God. They also watch over us and help us in our prayers. Above all they present our souls to God at death (Funeral rite: May the angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham).
How comforting and empowering is this truth that we are not making this journey all alone. We have our guardian angels walking with us. This understanding resonates the message of Pope Francis for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, “God walks with His people”.
Justin Durai Raj CP is a member of the Passionist community at St.Paul, Glen Osmond, SA.