HOMILY OF MEMORIAL OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS — YEAR A
HOMILY OF MEMORIAL OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: REVERE YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL!
BY: Fr. Benedict Agbo
Nehemiah 8:1-12, Ps. 19:8-11, Matthew 18:1-5,10
The word angel is derived from the Greek angelos and the Hebrew mal’akh, both meaning “messenger.” Sacred Scripture presents angels as spiritual beings who serve God and participate in his plan of salvation. The Letter to the Hebrews describes them as “ministering spirits sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb 1:14). The Psalmist beautifully expresses their protective mission: “He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up” (Ps 91:11–12). Christ himself gives us one of the clearest biblical foundations for the belief in Guardian Angels when he says concerning the little ones: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt 18:10). The Christian belief in Guardian Angels is therefore not mere superstition; it is rooted in the biblical understanding of God’s providential care for his children.
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St Jerome expressed the dignity of the human soul in relation to the Guardian Angel with these words: “So sublime is the dignity of the soul that from its birth there is appointed to each one a Guardian Spirit.” The Guardian Angel enlightens, protects, guides and accompanies the person entrusted to his care. He enlightens by disposing the mind and heart to recognize truth and to respond to God’s grace. He protects us from spiritual danger, especially the temptation and malice of the devil, and, according to God’s providence, may also protect us from physical dangers. He guides and encourages us along the journey of life, strengthens us when we fall and directs our attention towards the ultimate goal of heaven. The Guardian Angel also joins his praise and intercession to ours before God. Yet we must always remember that angels are servants and creatures of God: they do not replace Christ, the one Mediator between God and humanity. Their entire ministry ultimately leads us towards Christ and the salvation he has won for us.
My personal testimony is that my Guardian Angel guided me through a turbulent journey of twenty-four 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 had a frightening experience on the Awka–Enugu Expressway. I had apparently dozed off while driving at high speed, and in that critical moment I heard my name called loudly. I woke up and quickly swerved the steering wheel, narrowly avoiding what could have been a fatal collision with a trailer. I cannot scientifically prove exactly what happened in that moment, but as a Christian I received the experience as a powerful reminder of God’s providential protection and of the Guardian Angel whom the Church teaches accompanies us. It strengthened my devotion and my consciousness that we are never abandoned to face life’s dangers alone.
The universal liturgical memorial of the Guardian Angels was extended to the whole Latin Church by Pope Clement X in 1670 and is celebrated on 2 October. Today, therefore, we are invited not merely to know that we have Guardian Angels but to cultivate a conscious relationship of faith with this gift of God’s providence. Let us not treat the Guardian Angel as a magical emergency device whom we remember only when we are in trouble. We should acknowledge God’s protection in ordinary moments as well as extraordinary ones, especially when travelling, facing temptation, making important decisions or struggling with fear and uncertainty.
Let me end with the beautiful admonition traditionally attributed to 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.” We can therefore pray with confidence:
“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!)
May our Guardian Angels protect us from every spiritual and physical danger, guide us along the path of holiness, strengthen us in moments of temptation, and lead us safely towards the presence of God. REVERE YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL! May God bless you today!
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