Reflection/Homily for Monday 26th Week in Ordinary Time 2nd October 2023 Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Reflection/Homily for Monday  26th Week in Ordinary Time 2nd October 2023

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. 

Exodus 23:20-23. Psalm 91:1-2,3-4,5-6,10-11. Matthew 18:1-5,10.

Three days ago, we celebrated the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Today, we give thanks for the presence of the guardian angels in our lives. From infancy to death, we are surrounded by the watchful care and intercession of the angels who are always before God.

All our readings and the Psalm today make reference to the fact that we are surrounded by angels regularly. The first reading tells us, "Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared" (Exo.23:20). Today's Psalm says, "For you has he commanded his angels to keep you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). Jesus warned his disciples his disciples in today's Gospel concerning children, "See that you do not despise one of the little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" (Matt.18:10).

Angels are spiritual, non-corporeal beings created by God to guide and guard us on our pilgrimage journey on earth to him in heaven. They are in all ways to protect, shield, provide, and minister to bring us comfort, consolation, joy, and peace. They are heaven's special help. God assigned a particular guardian angel for each person.

We must respect and heed the warnings of our guardian angels. The first reading tells us, "Give heed 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" (Exo.23:21). To enjoy their blessings, we must be open and connected to them in a special way.

The Church gave us the prayer of the Guardian Angels. We must pray this prayer daily, especially when we rise in the morning from bed.

As we honour them today, we must recognise their presence around us. They are there for our good. Let us take this prayer to our guardian angels seriously.

May God, through the intercession of our guardian angels, protect us from all harm and lead us to our heavenly Father through Christ our Lord. Amen.