Guardian Angel: A Faithful Friend Given by God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Sixth Week:  Friday*

*Gospel :  Mt 18:1-5,10*

*First Reading : Exodus 23:20-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : 91: 1-11*

*Guardian Angel: A Faithful Friend Given by God*

*1) Why are Guardian Angels important in our life?*

The first importance of the Guardian Angel is that he reminds us of God's personal care.

We can sometimes feel: “Nobody understands me.” “Nobody is there for me.” “I have to face this difficulty alone.” “God seems far away.” The Guardian Angel reminds us: God has not abandoned you. His loving care accompanies you.

The angel is not God, and we do not worship the angel. Rather, the angel points us toward God who is the source of our life and protection.

When I feel alone, I can say: “Lord, I may not see how you are caring for me, but I believe that I am under your loving care.”

The Guardian Angel becomes a reminder of God's invisible presence.

*2) What is the work of the Guardian Angel?*

*A) The Guardian Angel accompanies* : The angel accompanies us through the journey of life—not necessarily by removing every problem, but by reminding us that God is with us in the midst of our problems.

*B) The Guardian Angel guides* : The angel helps us remain oriented toward God and what is good. This should not be understood superstitiously, as though the angel constantly gives us audible instructions. God's guidance ordinarily comes through Scripture, conscience, prayer, wisdom, good counsel and grace.

*C) The Guardian Angel protects* : The angel is a sign of God's protective providence. Protection does not mean that we will never suffer, become sick, experience failure or encounter danger. Christian faith does not promise a life without suffering. Rather: God's protection means that evil and suffering do not have the final word over the person who entrusts himself or herself to God.

*D) The Guardian Angel directs us toward salvation* : This is perhaps the most important point. The ultimate work of the angel is not simply to keep us physically safe. The deepest protection is protection of our relationship with God.

*3) How do Guardian Angels guard our life?*

*A) They remind us of God's protection in moments of danger*

Psalm 91:11 says:  “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

This verse expresses trust in God's providential care. It does not mean that believers will never suffer accidents, sickness, persecution or death. Even faithful people experience suffering. Rather, our faith assures us that our lives remain in God's hands, even when we pass through difficulties.

We should not think that an accident or tragedy necessarily means that our Guardian Angel has failed us. God's protection does not always mean the removal of suffering. We do not know all the ways God works in our lives.

Sometimes we are preserved from danger; sometimes we receive courage to face it; and sometimes, through suffering, we discover a deeper faith.

*B) They help us avoid spiritual dangers* 

Physical dangers are visible, but spiritual dangers are often hidden.

A person may have a healthy body and a successful career yet gradually lose peace through hatred, pride, greed, addiction or a lack of concern for others.

Our greatest danger is not simply losing our possessions or position; it is losing our relationship with God.

A Guardian Angel's mission directs our attention beyond physical safety towards our eternal destiny.

We should therefore pray not only, “Protect me from accidents,” but also, “Help me avoid sin and remain faithful to God.”

*C) They accompany us when we feel afraid* 

Children often sleep peacefully when they know someone is nearby. The presence of a trusted person gives them courage.

Adults also experience fear: fear of failure, loneliness, illness, financial problems, family difficulties and the future.

Belief in the Guardian Angel can help us remember that God's care is not limited to moments when everything is going well.

Reflection: When you enter a hospital, face an examination, travel alone or receive difficult news, remember that you can place yourself in God's hands and ask for the help of your Guardian Angel.

Prayer does not guarantee that every difficulty will disappear. It helps us face difficulties with faith and courage.

*4) What do Guardian Angels guard in our life?*

*A) They remind us to guard our relationship with God* : Our relationship with God is the centre of our Christian life. Prayer, the sacraments, the Scriptures and a life of charity nourish this relationship.We lock the doors of our homes to protect our belongings. Do we also guard our hearts against whatever weakens our faith?

*B) They direct us towards guarding our conscience* : Our conscience helps us recognize the moral quality of our actions. It needs to be formed through God's Word and the teachings of the Church. A person may deceive others and escape their judgment, but a Christian must still ask: “Is my heart right before God?”

*C) They remind us to guard our relationships* : Anger, jealousy, pride and unforgiveness can destroy families and friendships. We need God's grace to speak with kindness, forgive sincerely and treat others with respect. Perhaps the person who needs our forgiveness today is the very person for whom we should pray most earnestly.

*D) They help us keep our eyes on our final destination* : Our ultimate destination is not merely success, wealth, popularity or earthly recognition. We are called to eternal life with God.  At the end of the day, ask yourself: “Did my words, decisions and actions bring me closer to the person God wants me to become?”

*5) Why has God given Guardian Angels to our life?* 

*A) Because we are precious to Him* : We often measure people by education, wealth, influence, beauty or achievement. God looks at each person with love. The gift of the Guardian Angel reminds us that no one is forgotten or insignificant in God's eyes.

*B) Because God respects our freedom but offers us His help* : God does not force us to love Him. He invites us into a relationship of love. A guardian angel does not live our life for us. We still have to choose between right and wrong, accept responsibility and cooperate with God's grace. A guide can show us the way, but we must be willing to walk it.

*C) Because God wants to lead us safely towards heaven* : The ultimate purpose of God's saving plan is that we live in communion with Him. The Guardian Angel is a companion on this journey, serving God's will and directing us towards Him.

*6) The Guardian Angel as a faithful friend* 

We can call the Guardian Angel a faithful friend, provided we understand that this friendship always leads us to God.

A human friend may sometimes fail us.

A human friend may misunderstand us.

A human friend may not always be available.

But the Guardian Angel symbolizes the constant care of God.

This gives us a beautiful thought: I may forget God, but God does not forget me.

Even when I am distracted, the reality represented by the Guardian Angel is that God's loving attention remains upon me.

*7) Guardian Angels and our responsibility toward others*

God cares for the vulnerable. Therefore, we too must care for the vulnerable.

If God has given angels to guard His children, we are also called to become guardians for one another.

Parents guard their children.

Teachers guard their students.

Friends guard one another.

Religious and priests accompany their communities.

We can guard one another through: encouragement; prayer; correction given with love; protection from harm; forgiveness; listening; standing beside someone who is struggling.

So the feast is not simply: “Thank you, God, for protecting me.” It is also: “Lord, make me an instrument of your protection for someone else.”

our Guardian Angel stands before God and, at the same time, accompanies us on our earthly journey.

God guards our life so that we may learn to guard what is precious: our faith, our conscience, our relationships, our innocence, our vocation, and the dignity of the people entrusted to us.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*