on guard!
"For to His angels He has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways." —Psalm 91:11
When thousands of people are killed in a tragedy, the question arises: "What happened to their guardian angels? They didn't seem to do such a good job of guarding their charges." The response to this question is wrapped in another question: "Why did Jesus' guardian angels let Him be crucified?" Jesus stopped the angels from protecting Him. He said: "Do you not suppose I can call on My Father to provide at a moment's notice more than twelve legions of angels?" (Mt 26:53) Jesus might also choose to stop angels from protecting others, especially those baptized into Him. He wants to include us in the Paschal mystery of His death and Resurrection. Guarding us from natural evils is insufficient. The Lord wants to guard us from the worst evils: sin and damnation. To do this, He lets us share through suffering in His Paschal mystery.
Although the guardian angels primarily guard us from the worst evils, that is, spiritual evils, they also guard us from natural evils. It may well be that many of us would have died several times but for God's protection through our guardian angels.
Guardian angels are very active for those living in the Holy Spirit, for their job is to mow down the enemies of those moving in the Holy Spirit (see Ex 23:20ff). If we are what we are called to be, the guardian angels will be able to do what they are called to do.
Prayer: Father, may I live a life conducive to full angelic activity.
Promise: "See that you never despise one of these little ones. I assure you, their angels in heaven constantly behold My heavenly Father's face." —Mt 18:10
Praise: Referring to Guardian Angels, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession" (Catechism, 336). They not only protect individual souls but also communities, dioceses, and nations.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 11, 2019
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