Today we remember the angels in Heaven whose purpose was to bring God’s presence, strength and power to us. From Gabriel announcing the birth of Christ to Raphael in Tobit healing blindness to Michael who defeated the fallen angels.They are reminders of what God has done and can do.
We probably a think of Gabriel the most, for his words to the Virgin Mary changed everything and the whole world was changed by it and God the creator came to be one of us and show us incomparable love by dying for us. Our God came to us, to be one of us, to suffer like us, and show us his love. He loved us first so that we would turn to him.
It is odd that people who know of Jesus Christ still struggle with understanding how much they are loved.
That’s where we come in.
To show them that love.
To bring love not condemnation just as Jesus did. So that others may also believe and live new lives with true joy and peace. It is our calling to be Christ for others.
And it began with Gabriel at the Annunciation. So, it’s fitting that the rosary prayers for today are the Joyful mysteries where we start off remembering the Annunciation and Gabriel. Mary’s Yes was one small word for woman, but one giant transformation for man. A ringing, a change, a shift so great that it permeates the whole world of man today. The sound of that one Yes is written in our hearts even if we aren’t aware yet. A Yes that calls us to turn to the intensity of God’s love for us and say yes we will accept that love and return it by a life lived for Christ.
Just as the angels often came with messages from God, we too are now to be messengers for Christ. Just as Mary Visited Elizabeth to tell her of all that was happening since she heard the words of Gabriel in our second joyful mystery, we too are meant to visit others and share what our encounter with Christ has meant to us. To share it with joy and thankfulness. Which is far different than just trying to forced doctrine…no, we are called to approach others like brothers and sisters and share the good things Jesus has blessed us with. It is how the Word of Christ is born into the world again and again.
The angels have been a big part of our story and the story of man encountering God.
Today we all need to remember our guardian angels who have been assigned to watch over us. To help us. To point us in the right direction and encourage us to do good.
We need to listen though. Often we must be still and wait.
Maybe it’s just an idea that pops into our head. Maybe it’s advice that we hear just when we need it. Guardian angels are waiting to help us, and we should take advantage of everything God has provided for us. From the Sacraments, the Mass, our church communities but also our guardian angels who are assigned to us.
I urge everyone to pray that your guardian angel will be more present and visible in your life and that we will be open to their gentle encouragement.
In the Nicene creed we profess,
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
Guardian angels are one of the invisible things God has created to help us. Pray to our guardian angels and ask them to pray for us and guide us on our way. They are overlooked connections we have to Gods power and grace.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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