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At the end of September we celebrated the feast of the three Archangels who play a prominent part in the Old and New Testaments, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Now, in the week following that feast, we meditate on the doctrine of the Guardian Angels. The Old Testament regarded the angel Michael as the guardian of Israel. This notion of an angel as guardian was extended to the patriarchs and other individuals. Jesus seems to have extended the notion when he spoke in today's Gospel about the little children and "their angels in heaven".
God spoke to Moses about an angel who would guide and guard him and the people of Israel on their journey. Then God referred to this angel as "my angel". This phrase sums up what God has just said to Moses: "My authority resides in him". Hence in this phrase, "my angel", lies the heart of the doctrine of the Guardian Angels: God has a special love for every single human person, a love which guards and guides. As this special love is personal, so it is personalized in the protective care of the Guardian Angels.
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to light and guard to rule and guide, Amen.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That, firm in their faith, Christians may be eager to dialogue with those who belong to another religious tradition.
Elaboration
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