The Angels of the Little Ones: Seeing the Face of the Father

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Job 38:1.12-21; 40:3-5, Psalm: 138, Lk 10:13-16

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this beautiful Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, the Church invites us to contemplate a truth that should fill us with wonder and consolation: God has given each of us a heavenly companion, a guardian angel, to protect us, guide us, and lead us to eternal life. The Word of God today reminds us of our littleness before the majesty of God, and of the great love He has for the little ones.

In the Book of Job, the Lord speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. He asks, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” God challenges Job’s presumption. He reminds him of His sovereignty over creation. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Who determined its measurements?” Job, humbled, replies, “I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job is silenced by the majesty of God. He recognizes his smallness, his weakness, his utter dependence on God.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom. He warns them that not all will receive them. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented.” Jesus speaks of the seriousness of rejecting the Gospel. But He also assures His disciples that their names are written in heaven. They are not alone; they are surrounded by the angels of God.

The connection between the readings is the truth of our littleness and God’s loving care. Job is humbled by the majesty of God. The disciples are sent out in weakness, but they are protected by the angels. The Guardian Angels are a sign of God’s tender care for us. They are not distant beings; they are our companions, our protectors, and our guides. Jesus Himself said, “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.”

Pope Francis has said, “The Lord has given us angels to accompany us on the journey of life. They are our companions, our protectors, and our guides.” Saint John Paul II, in his catechesis on the angels, wrote, “The angels are pure spirits, created to serve God and to help us on our way.” And Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a great preacher on the angels, said, “The angels are our guardians, our protectors, our friends. They rejoice when we pray, they help us when we struggle, and they lead us when we stray.”

What does this mean for us? We are not alone. We have a guardian angel who sees the face of the Father. We have a heavenly companion who protects us, guides us, and intercedes for us. We are called to trust in the protection of our angels, to call upon them in times of trouble, and to live in a way that honors their presence.

Today, let us turn to our Guardian Angels. Let us pray to them, listen to their guidance, and trust in their protection. Let us be like Job, humbled by the majesty of God. Let us be like the disciples, sent out in weakness but trusting in the providence of God. For we are the little ones, and our angels always see the face of the Father. Amen.

May God bless you all!