LITTLE ONES

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; 

for I tell you that in heaven their angels 

always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." 

Matthew 18:10

One late night, when I was still a seminarian doing my summer apostolate in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, I accompanied the parish priest to a remote place in the parish.

While we were navigating the highway, we saw some broken pieces of glass. A car accident had just happened but there were no cars in sight. We decided to stop and look around.

Suddenly, we heard children crying and people moaning in pain. The jeep they were riding turned turtle from the main road to the rice field on the side of the road. We went to them and saw that the adult passengers were either unconscious or crying in pain. The children, about three of them, were lying on the ground near the jeep crying but were miraculously unhurt.

We called for help and they were all brought to a nearby hospital. It was startling to see that the children were all right. No one, much more a child, could have escaped that accident unhurt.

We could not believe it. In the end, we both attributed it to the children’s guardian angels. By faith we believe that God assigned to each of us a guardian angel. They are spirits serving as messengers of God. They are God’s presence to us. By presence we mean that God communicates Himself to us and makes His presence felt. Because of angels, we are never alone.

They save children from accidents, guide adults in determining what is right and wrong, help us discern where the Spirit leads, allay our fears in the face of danger, give us courage against a spiritual challenge, etcetera.

At every moment in our lives, we must remember that we have angels ready to guide us. They have been working for us since we were born. They will continue to work for us until we die.

On this feast day of the Guardian Angels, let us not only remember their presence but renew our belief and commitment to them. Our Catholic prayer is very appropriate on this occasion:

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, 

To rule and guide. 

Amen!

-- Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
When was the last time you felt God’s care through the presence of your guardian angel? How do you express your recognition of God’s messenger to you? Do you receive their guidance as direct guidance from God?

Guardian Angel, thank you for guiding and protecting me as I journey through this life.