There have been numerous times in my life when I was affirmed that my angel was with me. I’ve gotten into close calls on the road where either I would stop at the very last second, or somehow I reacted quickly enough to avoid a potentially fatal accident. One time I was driving with a friend on the highway, going 120 kmph on the fast lane in Toronto. Suddenly, my engine spewed out a cloud of smoke so thick that I couldn’t see ahead, then it locked itself, followed by my steering wheel. I could have panicked because of all the cars honking at me but instead a sense of peace came over my whole body. Some how my car graciously pulled over to the shoulder and came to a smooth stop. My friend, Mitch, and I looked at each other, speechless. All I was able to say at that moment was, “that was my angel, bro.” And he just nodded with fear and amazement.
It’s amazing to know that God has given each of us an angel who guards and protects us, and who lights our path. We are given one because because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit—the very presence of God. In the Old Testament, angels protected the Holy Temple which contained the tabernacle, which contained the Holy of Holies. In a way, our very bodies are now that temple, thus we have angels by our side. This is not fiction and something merely imaginary, but a reality. We literally have an angel always with us but how much we experience the power of that angel depends on our humility.
Just like in today’s first reading, to each of us the Lord says,
“I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him.”
“But if you listen attentively to his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. My angel will go in front of you.”
(Exodus 23)
The Lord calls us to be attentive to our angel and to listen to his voice. If we do this with humility, then the Lord can truly protect us with His angels. In the Gospel reading today, the disciples asked Jesus “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Mt. 18). Then Jesus explained to them that only those who are as humble as a child can be called great in His kingdom.
I’ve always imagined angels to be two things: a fiery protector, armed with heavenly armour and weapons, and a little baby. As a protector, our angels defend us against the demons who seek our ruin. As a baby or little child, he speaks the words of the Lord in a still small voice. We have to be careful that we “do not despise one of these little ones” (Mt. 18) for they constantly behold His face in Heaven. Jesus also said “whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.” (Mt. 18). Let us not be afraid to welcome with open arms, the angel God has given to us.
We need humility to be able to hear the voice of the Lord through His messengers. They are truly here to light our path, guard our way, rule our lives, and guide us ever closer to the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.
So let us pray,
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day,
be at my side
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.
Amen.