Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Reflection:
See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
-Matthew 18:10
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
Today’s Gospel reading concludes with this admonition from Jesus. He says this as he holds a “little one”, a child. Jesus tells us to not despise or look down on any “little ones”, which refers to children, as well as all other vulnerable persons. When we are honest and humble as Jesus asks us to be, we know that we are all “little ones” sometimes, even though we are full-grown! Health problems, lingering grief, financial concerns, and anxiety are all part of our vulnerable human condition.
Jesus was telling his disciples that the “little ones” deserve respect and care not only in our one-on-one relationships, but also as part of the larger community.
For it is in community that we find love, meaning, reconciliation, challenge, and growth. Jesus emphasizes the importance of community by stating that the community of angels in heaven is also watching out for the little ones.
The prophet Nehemiah ministered with Jewish people who had endured deportation and captivity in Babylon. Jerusalem had been destroyed, including their Temple, the center of Jewish worship. The people were restored through an intense experience of community, as described in today’s first reading. After many years of separation, they were together in Jerusalem again. They listened to the readings and preaching from the Book of Moses. As they listened, they were moved from grief to joy as they heard the Word of God. The rebuilding of their city was accompanied by the rebuilding of their community of faith.
Throughout the ups and downs of life, we are blessed when we journey together in community, caring for each other and guided by our guardian angels. And when one of us transitions to eternal life, we often sing this at the funeral:
For to his angels He’s given a command
-Stanza from On Eagle’s Wings, based on verses 11-12 of Psalm 91
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
