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Gospel: Matthew 18: 1-5, 10
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Humans are fascinated by angels. What does the bible tell us about them? What is their purpose today?
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In heaven, God is surrounded by angels dressed in white, radiating light as they worship him eternally. Some also bring his message down to earth or serve as his military force, rescuing the righteous from death and exercising judgment over those who do evil.
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Scripture tells us that the angels are celibate; that they do not feast on earthly food; and that they do not sleep; rather, they keep watch perpetually over the affairs of heaven and earth.
Some people have made an entire religious practice out of living like the angels by praying for extended periods of time, fasting, and claiming life-long virginity, in the hopes of someday sharing in their heavenly company.
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The only time angels seem to be absent in the scriptures is during Christ’s public ministry, certainly when compared to the infancy and resurrection narratives.
When Christ is first born, the angels sing glory to God. And when Mary Magdalene rushes to the empty tomb, angels ask her, “Why are you weeping?” Christ had been raised from the dead!
But during Jesus’ public ministry, the angels are notably silent. There wasn’t a need for these divine messengers while someone greater than they are was present.
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Since his return in glory to the Father, our guardian angels now re-occupy the interplay between heaven and earth, keeping watch over us all, interceding on our behalf.
May they guide our feet into the way of peace.
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Image credits: (1) Two Angels, Raphael (2) Saint Benedict Center (3) The Dream of Jacob, Nicholas Dipre