October 02, 2017

Gospel: Mt 18:1-5, 10
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, ”Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples, and said, ”I assure you, that, unless you change, and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble, like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child, in my name, receives me.
See that you do not despise any of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven continually see the face of my heavenly Father.

REFLECTION:
We honor today our Guardian Angels. Angels in general are messengers of God, constantly adoring Him and are always ready to serve Him. The Guardian Angels are among them, sent for specific function; ”I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on your way and to bring you to the place I prepared” (Ex. 23:23). Matthew in today‘s gospel speaks of them: ”their angels in heaven continually see the face of my heavenly Father.” Each person has a Guardian Angel. ”From the infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercessions (CCC.36) How God loves us! He never wants us to be separated from Him.
St Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) has a deep love for Guardian Angels and a personal encounter with them. He speaks of them as his guide, defender and messenger. The angels brought the prayers of his spiritual children to him. He exhorts everyone of us: ”Invoke your Guardian Angel, who will enlighten you and guide you. God has given them to you for your protection; therefore you should use him accordingly. The Guardian Angels are 24/7 available to us to guide us to what is good and to avoid falling into sin. They are always at our side.
Angels are not for children alone but for all. Let us recognize them, be them, love them. They are God‘s gift to us.