In Jesus' time, children were near the bottom of the social hierarchy. They did not have many laws or rights to protect them. Today Jesus expresses that God will look out and care for children in their weakness. One way that God sends his care - for children and for all who are vulnerable - is through guardian angels. "For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways..." (Ps. 91:11).

Guardian angels are heavenly beings sent by God to protect us physically and spiritually. In Scripture, angels sometimes act for God and even speak for God. They are messengers who encourage us to persevere in life-giving thoughts and actions. As a sign of God's great care for each human person, God has assigned a guardian angel to each one of us.

Yet, we still have freedom. Angels cannot force us to choose good. We can, however, ask Christ to help us to be open to their presence and guidance in our lives. Guardian angels are God's free gift to us. When we obey one sent by God, we discover more fully our purpose in this life...we draw closer to God.