Thought for the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Angels are messengers from God. The word angel comes from the Greek word for “messenger.” In a very real way, these powerful spirits point out to us the ways of God. Guardian Angels assist us in work or study. In times of temptation, these spiritual beings direct us to do good. St Thomas Aquinas said that angels are the most excellent of creatures because they have the greatest intelligence next to God.
Perhaps the Guardian Angels are best known for protecting us from physical danger but their main role is to care for the salvation of our souls. It is wonderful to know that God has promised to love, protect and be with us always. One way he does this is through the care of the angels. Whenever you meet with danger or discouragement, your Guardian Gngel is your personal, heavenly bodyguard. The angels also offer prayers to God for us. Because angels always see and hear God, they can intercede for us. We should love our Guardian Angels, respect them and pray to them.
In early Christianity there was no feast for the guardian angels, just one for the Archangels. But in the 15th and 16th centuries, the feast of the Guardian Angels was unofficially celebrated in Austria, Spain and Portugal. In 1608 Pope Paul V made it a universal feast. In doing so, he helped to make us aware of the guardian angels, not just one day in October but everyday of our lives.
My Oldest Friend
By Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
My oldest friend, mine from the hour
When first I drew my breath,
My faithful friend, that shall be mine,
Unfailing, till my death….
Mine when I stand before the Judge,
And mine, if spared to stay
Within the golden furnace, till
My sin is burn’d away.
And mine, O Brother of my soul,
When my release shall come,
Thy gentle arms shall lift me then,
Thy wings shall waft me home.
AnaStpaul 