Memorial of the Holy Guardian
Angels
(Nehemiah 2:1-8; Matthew 18:1-5.10)
We hear today’s gospel as an assurance that God cares for
little children. It is that. Some will add
that God gives the same care to every person.
Yes, God loves everyone. But we
miss half the message if we limit our consideration to Guardian Angels
protecting people. The reading confirms
the basic gospel proclamation of raising up the lowly and putting down the
mighty.
At this point in Matthew’s Jesus is launching his sermon
on Church order. He will challenge his
disciples to not allow anything to cause them to sin, even a roving eye or an
itchy hand. He will also admonish them
to always be ready to forgive the sins of others. Because of their humility curtailing
pride, God will raise them up.
Egocentrism caused Adam to sin and has kept a hold on his
descendants. Yet Christ has shown us
that it is possible to live without over-concern for the self. More than that, he has won for us the grace
to break its grasp. Staying close to him
by contemplating his word and partaking of his body, we can be humble. Then we will have no need to worry. God will raise us up as sure as the sun rises in the morning.
