Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II (The Guardian Angels). Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Matt. 18:1-5,10
Just recently, we celebrated the feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In ages past, the celebration of all the angels was on the same day as the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. However, a separate feast of the Guardian Angels began in Valencia in 1411. And at the reform of the Breviary in the 16th century it was included among the local feasts, and it was raised to the status of a feast in the General Calendar in 1608, and placed on the first free day after the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
Friends, though the Doctrine of the Guardian Angels was not formally defined by the Church, and thus not an article of faith, the fact remains that this teaching is supported by scriptures and the teaching of the Fathers like Jerome and Basil. In today’s gospel reading, it is clear that even little children have guardians angels who are constantly in God’s presence as they fulfil their mission on earth. As we celebrate the guardian angels today, let us remember that God has given them authority to guard and guide us, and that even when we lose our way, we must not be discouraged, for our guardian angels are continually in God’s presence interceding for us. Why not ask their guidance as we struggle to get back on our feet and go on?
Prayer
Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day to be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide me, Amen.
God bless your day ahead!
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