"The disciples approached Jesus and said, 'Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?' He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, 'Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me... See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father'" (Matthew 18:1-5, 10).
On October 2, the Roman calendar celebrates the Guardian Angels, who are with each person during the course of his or her life, cooperating with the Holy Spirit who leads the person on the path to the fullness of redemption and glory.
The angels too are God's "co-workers" and our helpers and friends. God's Kingdom, which is in the absolute sense His work - precisely because it is His omnipotent, unfathomable creative and recreative action, His mysterious love - generates an interpersonal communion of mercy and service, gratitude and self-giving among those who share in His life. The New Creation is a "symphony of Agape, of joy, of thankfulness" whose music has already begun now, as we journey to its fulfillment.
The angels too are God's "co-workers" and our helpers and friends. God's Kingdom, which is in the absolute sense His work - precisely because it is His omnipotent, unfathomable creative and recreative action, His mysterious love - generates an interpersonal communion of mercy and service, gratitude and self-giving among those who share in His life. The New Creation is a "symphony of Agape, of joy, of thankfulness" whose music has already begun now, as we journey to its fulfillment.
O God, who in your unfathomable providence
are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us,
hear our supplication as we cry to you,
that we may always be defended by their protection
and rejoice eternally in their company.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
