In any strong temptation call upon your Guardian Angel

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Guardian Angels

Celebrated on October 2nd

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The notion of heavenly beings worshipping God and ready to do his bidding, has been taken from Jewish thought and placed in the heart of Christian worship.

The ancient Jews believed that angels served both individuals and nations. Jesus accepted this idea too. He said the angels would support him at his second coming. Once he took a little child and spoke to his followers about becoming like children and caring for them. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones,” Jesus said: “For I tell you that their angels always behold the face of my Father in heaven.”

The notion of Guardian Angels is implicit in Our Lord’s own teaching. And in his own life on earth they are recorded in the Gospels many times. They minister to him in the wilderness and they care for him in the Garden of Gesthemane. Had he wished, they would have fought against his captors. They are present at his resurrection.

The belief that we each have a guardian angel has been common to Christians for many centuries.

The picture of a guardian angel that we often see is an angel protecting a little child as he or she walks over a small bridge.

In 1608, Pope Paul V added today’s feast to the calendar of saints and celebrations. It is very encouraging to know and believe that we each have an angel guarding and protecting us. Our guardian angel is a gift from our loving God.

St Bernard wrote: “In any great trouble, in any strong temptation, call upon your Guardian Angel who is your guide and your helper, in any difficulty and in any time of need.”

(from ICN)
 
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my own guardian angel and for the angels watching over those I love.

Edit to add: Happy Feast Day, my dear angel friend!
 
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My guardian angel, as I am entrusted to your care, help me and protect me always!
 
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Matthew 18:10 states, “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” In the context, “these little ones” could either apply to those who believe in Him (v. 6) or it could refer to the little children (vs. 3-5). This is the key passage regarding guardian angels. There is no doubt that good angels help protect (Daniel 6:20-23; 2 Kings 6:13-17), reveal information (Acts 7:52-53; Luke 1:11-20), guide (Matthew 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), provide for (Genesis 21:17-20; 1 Kings 19:5-7), and minister to believers in general (Hebrews 1:14).
 
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THE BOOK OF TOBIT:

The story told in Tobit contains a whole series of teachings which are useful for the education of conscience and also encourage people to practice virtue, especially virtues to do with the works of mercy. Parents feel urged to educate their chil dren in the love of God and in the practice of prudence, generosity, etc. and themselves to imitate Tobit’s patience when they encounter unforeseen difficulties in their family life, even to the point of their own relatives turning their backs on them.

The book also shows that things which we normally regard as difficulties or misfortunes can become blessings if accepted and appreciated as coming from God’s hands. God is the Father who never abandons us; he is in fact watching over us night and day because he desires only our good.

Additionally, the book shows us that angels are the protectors of men. Raphael reveals this when he says: “I will not conceal anything from you. … God sent me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One. . . . Do not be afraid; you will be safe. But praise God for ever. For I did not come as a favor on my part, but by the will of our God. Therefore praise him forever. All these days I merely appeared to you and did not eat or drink, but you were seeing a vision. And now give thanks to God, for I am ascending to him who sent me” (Tob. 12:11-20).
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St-Takla.org Image: Archangel Raphael, Coptic icon copied by Shawkat Seif

Some also believe that Raphael was the angel in the Gospel of St. John that stirred the water at the healing pool of Bethesda. Although the name of the angel is not mentioned, the fact that he is associated with healing makes it plausible that he may very well be the Holy Archangel Raphael mentioned in The Book of Tobit.

St. Raphael has traditionally been commemorated on October 24th. With the reform of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints in 1969, this feast was transferred to September 29 for celebration together with Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel.

Reference: The Book of Tobit | Catholic Answers
 
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