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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Their angels in heaven

Their angels in heaven

Published Oct 1, 2023 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

The Gospel reading is part of Jesus’ Community Discourse (Matthew 18), a collection of Jesus’ sayings for the guidance of the believers in their life in common. And at the core of this teaching “for adults” is to become like little children. The disposition that Jesus asks of his followers is not for the fainthearted, not for the immature. Over and above everything, Jesus reminds them that to be “important” in the Kingdom of heaven means to let go of being self-important, the “prima donna” mindset. Instead, one must humble oneself so as to be disposed to take up the challenges of community life. 
Humility is the mark of the guardian angels. They are spiritual beings, and in the hierarchy of God’s creation they are higher than human beings who are little less than angels (Ps 8:6). In their place in heaven, they always look upon the face of the heavenly Father. Still, they serve as ministering spirits who are sent to serve those who are going to merit salvation (Heb 1:14). One of their functions is precisely “to light and guard, to rule and guide” the little ones.

 

FIRST READING • Ex 23:20-23 
Thus says the Lord: 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. If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. 


“My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites; and I will wipe them out.” 
 

Gospel • Mt 18:1-5, 10 
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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
 

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