Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to celebrate the Memorial of our Holy Guardian Angels—those celestial beings whom God has appointed to guide, protect, and intercede for us throughout our lives. The readings we hear today invite us to reflect on the nature of God, our humility before Him, and the tender guardianship over us by these heavenly spirits.
In the first reading from the Book of Job, we witness Job's profound wrestling with the mystery of God’s greatness and our smallness. Job acknowledges the majesty and omnipotence of God, stating, “God is wise in heart and mighty in strength.” Indeed, when we confront the expansiveness of creation and the intricacies of divine justice, it can bring us to a place of humility. We realize that we are not alone in this journey. Hence the beauty of today’s memorial. God sends us our guardian angels to accompany us, reminding us of His watchful gaze and unconditional love.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus responds by calling a child into their midst, teaching us that humility and childlike trust are essential to our relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the little ones, for "their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."
How beautiful it is to consider that each of us is entrusted to an angel who intercedes for us! Our angels reflect God's care and guardianship, as they continually present our needs and struggles to Him. For this reason, the angels embody divine love, constantly interceding on our behalf. They remind us that we are valued, cherished, and never alone. When we acknowledge the presence of our guardian angels, we open ourselves to their guidance and protection. They are our companions in faith, helping us navigate the trials and tribulations of life as we strive to become more childlike in our faith—humbly relying on God's grace. I once heard an exorcist encourage the people listening to him to open themselves up to their guardian angel, and to give them greater permission to rule in our lives, to protect and guide us… to invite them, so to speak, to become even more present to us through signal graces. Yet, we ought always show them respect in the way we approach and speak to them, and always remember to remain humble in their presence. Nothing repels an angel more than pride, as it is a reminder of that vice through which a third of their peers had fallen from heaven, having followed the errors of Lucifer.
As we contemplate the role of our guardian angels, let us also reflect on the teachings of some Franciscan saints regarding the angelic presence in our lives. Saint Francis of Assisi, the Seraphic Father, had a unique relationship with creation, seeing the hand of God in all things, including the angels. He believed that God created angels as loving guides for us and that we should be mindful of their presence. In his fervent love for God, he recognized that the angels are always leading us toward higher truths and reminding us of our dignity as children of God.
Saint Anthony of Padua, known for his wisdom and fervent preaching, taught about the protective and guiding nature of angels.
He often encouraged the faithful to entrust their lives to the care of their guardian angels, reminding them that these celestial beings are great friends and protectors on our journey toward holiness.
Saint Bonaventure, a notable Franciscan theologian and mystic, emphasized the role of angels in revealing God's love. He saw the angels as mediators of divine wisdom, guiding us toward the truth of Christ. He believed that the presence of guardian angels inspires us to act with charity and humility, encouraging us to lead lives that reflect the love of God.
As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, let us invoke their protection and guidance in our daily lives. Let us strive to strengthen our relationship with them and to embrace humility, just as Jesus taught, and recognize that we are never alone; we have a celestial companion who watches over us. One day we will see them face to face and appreciate more fully just how much they have loved us and humbly been accompanying us. May we be attentive to their whispers, allowing them to lead us closer to the heart of God. May we also emulate their unwavering commitment to serving God's will, becoming instruments of His peace in a world that desperately needs it. Our Lady, Queen of Angels, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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