CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

CYCLE II: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: REVERE YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL!

BY: Fr. Benedict Agbo

HOMILY: Memorial of Guardian Angels

*Job 38: 1 – 40: 5, Lk 10: 13 – 16.
The word “Angel” is derived from the Greek word “aggelos” and Hebrew word “mal’akh” which means messenger. The letter to the Hebrews describes the Guardian Angels as ‘ministering spirits sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation’. The Psalmist clearly stipulates their role saying: ‘To his angels he has given charge over you’, Ps 90: 11 – 12. Christ himself testifies to the ontological existence of angels when he said: ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven behold the face of my Father in heaven ‘, Matt 18: 10.

St Jerome explains the role of the guardian angels saying that ‘So sublime is the dignity of the soul that from its birth there is appointed to each one a Guardian Spirit’ to enlighten, protect, guide and pray for the person entrusted to his care. He enlightens by inspiring and disposing the mind to receive truths of faith and spiritual revelations. He protects us from the danger of sin and the devil’s malice and also from physical harm. He guides us in the choice of our vocation, lifting and strengthening us at every fall and keeps showing us the way to heaven. He carries our prayer to the throne of God, uniting it with his own, that of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints all through our life till the moment of our death.

• My personal testimony is that my guardian angel guided me through a turbulent journey of 24 years to the priesthood. Even as a priest, I often make recourse to him in moments of danger especially when I am driving. I once heard him call my name loud as I slept off one fateful afternoon while driving on high speed at the Awka – Enugu express way. I woke up to quickly swerve off the stiring as I would have been crushed by a trailer.

Pope Clement X in the year 1670 set 2nd October every year for this celebration. Let me end with the admonition of St Bernard, ‘Revere your Guardian Angel! Be grateful for the care he bestows upon you. Have confidence in him, love him and turn to him to entreat his protection in every difficulty, danger and temptation.

• O Muoma onye nche nke m! Onye Chukwu raalu m tinye n’aka ya! Nye m ife, chebe m, dube m, na achi m azu!
  ( O my guardian angel whom God has assigned to me. Enlighten me, protect me, guide me and defend me!).

FR BEN AGBO.