The two things the angels would envy us for

[mdgspencer]

I came across a remark from Saint Faustina’s diary (the Polish sister responsible for the Divine Mercy devotion) that I found very thought-provoking:
“If the angels were capable of envy, they would envy us for two things: one is the receiving of Holy Communion, and the other is suffering.”

 

[Myangel]

I read this in a book about Guardian Angels. Its hard to fathome the fact that Angels can be envious of us sinners, I guess that is where we are to be thankful for such a loving God.

 

[wcknight]

It sounds like the angels are INcapable of envy…not that they do envy us.

I agree 100% with receiving the Eucharist, but the suffering part I can do without !

 

[lizaanne]

We were talking/laughing around the table at Thanksgiving that our guardian angels were probably wondering why we got so much pleasure out of eating, and were probably a bit envious of our Ooos and Ahhhs over the amazing meal we were enjoying. hehehe

So I’d add eating to that list as well.

~Liza

 

[mdgspencer]

Sister Faustina’s comment looks to the redemptive and spiritual dimensions of suffering. These dimensions can be understood in the light of the encyclical Pope John Paul II wrote on suffering. This encyclical can be found at: vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris_ge.html
Just reading the first page or two can be worthwile.
By the way, I see that there is an ongoing thread in this same forum, “Suffering,” where some of the people are discussing these dimensions of suffering.