Do guardian angels really have wings? While we may not know much about their appearance, the existence of guardian angels is of great importance.

Each one of us has a guardian angel. Various Scripture passages (e.g. Ex.23:20-23, Ps. 91:11-13, Mt. 18:10, etc.) explain that God sends angels to protect and guide human beings. These angels are symbols of God's deep care for each one of us.

Today's reading from Exodus tells us that their role is to lead us to the place that God has prepared for us. Angels protect us physically, but they also encourage us to chose what is morally good, to choose what leads to eternal life. No wonder in the first reading, God invites us to be attentive to the angel (Ex.23:21). It is the angel's duty is to lead us closer to God.

Amazingly, guardian angels are with us from the instant our life begins until its final moment. Your angel is with you now. This feast day is an opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of this guardian angel. It is a chance to ask for greater senitivity to your angel's guidance.