Their Angels in Heaven Always Look Upon the Face of My Heavenly Father

October 2, 2009

Memorial of the Guardian Angels

By Melanie Rigney

For we did not heed the voice of the Lord, our God, in all the words of the prophets whom he sent us, but each one of us went off after the devices of our own wicked hearts, served other gods, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, our God. (Baruch 1:21-22)

Help us, God our savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (Psalms 79:9)

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10)

Piety

Guardian Angel from heaven so bright, watching beside me to lead me aright, fold thy wings round me, and guard me with love, softly sing songs to me of heaven above. Amen. (Author unknown; found at Catholic Online.)

Study

Everyone of us is entrusted to the care of an angel. That's what Pope John XXIII said in a meditation on this date fity years ago.

October 2 was a Friday in 1959 as well. What else was going on as the pope shared his meditation?

* A total solar eclipse was visible from West Africa to Boston—a natural phenomenon that prompted fears and prayers.

* People in South Carolina and Georgia were beginning to clean up after Hurricane Gracie, which killed ten people—a natural disaster that prompted fears and prayers.

* Eleanor Roosevelt’s newspaper column supported A. Philip Randolph’s push for a date certain for desegregation of AFL-CIO unions—a brave position on an unconscionable situation that prompted fears and prayers.

Everyone of us is entrusted to the care of an angel.

The pope’s meditation spoke of God’s charge to the angels to help us here on earth:

"...so that, protected by the angels’ help and care, we may avoid the snares upon our path, subdue our passions and, under this angelic guidance, follow always the straight and sure road which leads to Paradise... During our earthly pilgrimage, we may often run the risk of having to face natural elements in turmoil, or the wrath of men who may seek to do us harm. But our Guardian Angel is always present. Let us never forget him and always remember to pray to him."

That knowledge, of our Guardian Angel’s presence, was a comfort on October 2, 1959. And so it can be today, to those who believe.

Action

Today, ask your Guardian Angel for guidance with a sin or problem you can’t take to anyone else.