Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Atilano Corcuera SVD – Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan
Memorial of Guardian Angels – October 2
The first time I opened the radiator cap of an overheating car was almost disastrous. As I slowly unscrewed the steaming cap, I bent over to see what boiling water looked like inside a radiator. Just before I could lift the cap completely, a speeding taxi suddenly slowed down beside me. The driver blew his horn and shouted rather rudely:
“Pare, ang mukha mo!” (“Hey, your face!”)
Startled, I instinctively stepped back and moved my head away. At that very moment, the boiling water exploded upward from the radiator. To this day, I thank God for sending an “angel” in the person of that seemingly uncouth taxi driver to save me from my own foolishness.
Of course, I use the word angel here in an analogical sense. Strictly speaking, angels are spiritual beings created by God to worship and serve Him. Sacred Scripture teaches that they are God’s messengers and servants, carrying out His will in the world. As the Letter to the Hebrews says:
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).
The feast of the Holy Guardian Angels reminds us of God’s loving concern for each person. Jesus Himself tells us:
“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” (Matthew 18:10).
The Guardian Angel is traditionally understood as God’s representative and companion assigned to each person. These heavenly protectors watch over us, guide us, defend us from danger, inspire good thoughts, and accompany us on our journey toward God. The Psalmist beautifully expresses this belief:
“For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11).
Do the roles of the angels and the Holy Spirit overlap? Not exactly. While the Holy Spirit dwells within us, sanctifying, enlightening, and empowering us from the inside, the angels assist and protect us from the outside according to God’s providence. Both are expressions of God’s loving care.
The Book of Exodus speaks of this divine protection:
“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20).
In the complicated and often dangerous world in which we live, we need all the help God provides, both visible and invisible. Sometimes that help comes through people, like the taxi driver who unexpectedly warned me. At other times, it comes through the hidden ministry of God’s holy angels.
The important thing is to recognize that we never walk alone. God surrounds us with His grace, His Spirit, His Church, and His angels.
May this awareness fill us with confidence and gratitude as we journey through life.
Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day (or night) be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
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