Memorial of the
Holy Guardian Angels
(Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23; Matthew 18:1-5.10)
Spiritual teacher Ronald Rolheiser the other day wrote
that no one really parents children alone.
He said that single parents can count on God to guide their children
along with them. This idea expresses a
very similar insight to Jesus’ reference to Guardian Angels in today’s gospel.
Jesus echoes an Old Testament tradition that God sends angels
as His ambassadors to watch over human beings.
Jesus’ point is that not only leaders -- which is to say the most
important people -- have divine guidance.
Children, the simplest of humans,
have such help as well. He is advising
his disciples not to seek importance but to rejoice to have God as their
Father.
We as well want to be recognized as important, not only
by a few but by everyone. It is a vain
ambition since no one will be admired by all – not even a Pope Francis. However, everyone can count on God’s love. This providential care is well expressed by
the doctrine that Guardian Angels continually watch over us.
