Homilette for Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Memorial of the Guardian Angels

(Matthew 18:1-5;10)

We should not understand Jesus to mean that only children have guardian angels. His vision is more inclusive than that. What we have just heard is the beginning and ending of a longer passage in which Jesus issues a warning to his disciples. They are to look after weak Christians who may stray from practicing the faith. When these Christians stop praying or when they choose pleasure over doing God’s will, the disciples are to step in. If they don’t, Jesus makes clear, the disciples face dire consequences since the weak Christians have angels in direct communication with God.

Although we may console ourselves with the thought of having guardian angels to look after our welfare, we should as well hear Jesus’ warning. We who come to daily Mass are often the strong ones who must assist weaker Christians. This does not mean that we nag them but that we show them our care. We can share with them our faith in God as the one who provides full happiness. We can tell them of our concern that they too experience God’s love. We can model for them the joy of living the Gospel. Finally, we can pray for them not just once in a while but daily.