THE HOLY ANGELS OF GOD

The presence of the holy angels in the events of our lives should not surprise us. It is a truth of faith that angels exist and that they are purely spiritual beings, that they have intelligence and will, that, as purely spiritual beings, they are personal and immortal. Our faith teaches us to trust them, to invoke them in our needs and to ask for their intercession before the throne of God's glory, to which they constantly have access. Many are the passages in the Old and New Testaments where angels are mentioned, and they are shown to be very active in their task of protecting and guiding us, serving at the same time as messengers between God and men, always attentive to the voice and commands of the Most High.

“The name angel indicates his office, not his nature; by his nature he is a spirit, by what he does, he is an angel.” (Saint Augustine).

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Saint Michael the Archangel, patron of the Work of love and redemption, accompany us and defend us on our path of giving, so that each day we go willingly and determined to serve God through our confident giving. Be our defense now and always. Amen. (Three “Glory be" are prayed in honor of Saint Michael).

WE ARE NEVER ALONE

When he came upon a certain shrine, as the sun had already set, he stopped there for the night. Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep at that spot. Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God's messengers were going up and down on it. (Genesis 28: 11-12).

WE ARE ALWAYS SUSTAINED IN TIMES OF TRIALS 

Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the Lord's messenger called to him from heaven, "Abraham, Abraham!” "Yes, Lord," he answered. "Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger. "Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son." (Genesis 22: 10,11).

"LISTEN TO HIS VOICE”

"See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him." (Exodus 23: 20-21).

OUR FAITH IS NECESSARY TO LET US BE GUIDED BY OUR ANGELS

The angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. Then Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel said to him in reply, "I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.” (Luke 1: 11-13. 18-19)

MARY’S FAITH IN RESPONSE TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1: 26-27).

THE JOY OF SALVATION

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord." (Luke 2: 8-11).

THE LIFE OF GRACE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ANGELS

No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven. (Hebrews 12: 22-23).

THE ANGEL OF AGONY COMFORTS JESUS

After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. (Luke 22: 41-43).

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND ROLLED BACK THE STONE FROM THE TOMB

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. (Matthew, 28: 1- 4).