Word to the Wise
Friday, October 2, 2009 - The Guardian Angels
[Baruch 1:15-22 and Matthew 18:1-5, 10]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.
The tradition of the Guardian Angels is based on this statement by Jesus. He is not just referring to kids here. He is referring to whoever may be powerless in this world. God's providence is all embracing. The disciples are thinking that God is on the side of the powerful and they want to make sure that they are in that group. Jesus responds that God is "on the side of the angels" and those angels are at the side of all those made in the image and likeness of God. Many of us remember the catechism teacher asking us to move over in our desk to make room for the Guardian Angel! We may have been invited to give the angel a name! Although it wasn't necessary for the angel's sake, the gesture helped to establish the concept of God's providence in more personal terms. Invisible companions are common for kids! The adult imagination has to work at it a bit! The Church helps by celebrating this feast day as a way of showing gratitude to God for providential care. I know I've survived some dangerous situations in ways that were only explainable to me in terms of the guardian angel! So, I think an "attitude of gratitude" is the best way to celebrate the day! AMEN