The Holy Guardian Angels
Friday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10Today Jesus gives us a remarkable glimpse into the invisible mystery surrounding our lives: “Their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.” Our Guardian Angels accompany us here, yet at the same time they remain always before the Heavenly Father. This means that their guardianship is never separated from God: they protect, guide, inspire, and accompany us precisely because they constantly contemplate the face of the Father. There is something deeply consoling in this mystery. Even when we feel alone, forgotten, vulnerable, or uncertain about the way ahead, our life is not isolated from heaven. Our angels stand before God while remaining mysteriously close to us, keeping our earthly journey open toward the Father. Jesus speaks of them while warning us never to despise the “little ones.” Their angelic presence therefore also reveals the immense dignity God gives to every human person. Someone whom the world considers insignificant has an angel contemplating the face of God. The message of Christ invites us to live with this greater awareness of the invisible: heaven is not distant from our ordinary life. Our Guardian Angel quietly accompanies our struggles, choices, prayers, work, temptations, joys, and sufferings, always directing us toward the One whose face he beholds. Perhaps the greatest service of our Guardian Angel is precisely this: while walking beside us on earth, he continually reminds our soul where it truly belongs, before the face of the Heavenly Father. Let’s reflect: Do I live with the peaceful awareness that I am never alone, trusting that my Guardian Angel accompanies me while always standing before the face of my Heavenly Father?
Don Giorgio