Memorial of the Guardian Angels

Today we celebrate the Memorial of our Guardian Angels. Every human being has a guardian angel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’ Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.” (CCC 336) 

The apostle Matthew refers to Guardian Angels in the Gospel today when Jesus spoke to the disciples about children. Besides telling them they must humble themselves like children, Jesus said, “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.” (Mt 18:10)

To humble oneself like a child is to do the will of our heavenly Father. I heard a homily recently  which pointed out children follow directions much more easily than adults do due to the lack of humility or obedience one has as a person ages; we do not like to be told what to do by others as we become adults. I know there have been many times I get perturbed by being directed to do something I may not agree with or feel is my job to handle. 

I sometimes forget that the Lord has given each human a personal guide to go through life as a companion. I wonder if my guardian angel feels frustrated when I choose to ignore the gentle   insights, nudges, and protections that are divinely given for my benefit? I could have avoided the things I’ve done or have failed to do that have caused me to sin if I had been paying attention to my guardian angel. I chose to act or respond the way I did despite my angels’ best efforts. My guardian angel does God’s will as it says in today’s Alleluia verse.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina (better known as Padre Pio) prayed to his Guardian Angel on a daily basis. Please join me in this prayer to your own Guardian Angel, and to the angels of those who are unaware of the heavenly being faithfully by their side. 

“Oh, my Holy Guardian Angel, care for my soul and my body. Enlighten my mind that I may better know the Lord my God and love Him with all my heart. Watch over me when I pray so I won’t give into life’s distractions. Sustain me with your counsel to live as a righteous Christian, and help me to do good works with a generous heart. Protect me from the cunning of the adversary, and lift me up when I am being tempted so I may win the fight against evil. Stay beside me at all times; never stop watching over me until I am called back to the Father’s house, where we will praise our great God together for all eternity. Amen.”

By Beth Price