Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Angels

Today is the feast day of the Angels.  Angels can be found in many religions throughout human history.  They are often described as spirits or beings with wings.  These creatures have superior capabilities to that of human beings but are still capable of falling into sin.

Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible over 250 times.  The word 'Angel' comes from the Hebrewk 'malak' which means messenger. In the Bible, they usually serve as protectors, guides and messengers ushering in important events.   

Angels have free will, intellect, but no bodies.(Psalm 104:4, CCC 311)  Angels cannot become human and humans cannot become angels.  Both creatures are distinct species within God's creation.  Every human being is assigned a guardian angel who is charged to guide and protect. (Psalm 91:12)
Angels existed prior to the creation of the universe and the human race. (Job 38:1-7)  They praise God for all eternity before His throne in Heaven. (Revelation 4:8)

The Church has taught that there are nine choirs of angels:
  1. Seraphim
  2. Cherubim
  3. Thrones 
  4. Dominions 
  5. Virtues
  6. Powers 
  7. Principalities
  8. Archangels
  9. Angels





Devotion to the Angels took hold during the birth of monasticism.  St Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Benedict promoted devotion to the Angels.   

Here is what the catechism states regarding Angels:

I. THE ANGELS

The existence of angels - a truth of faith

328 The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.

Who are they?

329 St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'"188 With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word".189

330 As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.190

Christ "with all his angels"

331 Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: "When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. . "191 They belong to him because they were created through and for him: "for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him."192 They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?"193

332 Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan: they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham's hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples.194 Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself.195

333 From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God "brings the firstborn into the world, he says: 'Let all God's angels worship him.'"196 Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church's praise: "Glory to God in the highest!"197 They protect Jesus in his infancy, serve him in the desert, strengthen him in his agony in the garden, when he could have been saved by them from the hands of his enemies as Israel had been.198 Again, it is the angels who "evangelize" by proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection.199 They will be present at Christ's return, which they will announce, to serve at his judgment.200

The angels in the life of the Church

334 In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.201

335 In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She invokes their assistance (in the funeral liturgy's In Paradisum deducant te angeli. . .["May the angels lead you into Paradise. . ."]). Moreover, in the "Cherubic Hymn" of the Byzantine Liturgy, she celebrates the memory of certain angels more particularly (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and the guardian angels).

336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.202 "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."203 Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

Prayer to one's Guardian Angel 
Angel of God,my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard,
Rule and guide.  Amen.

 

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