First Reading (Exodus 23:20–23)
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 91)
Response: For you has He commanded His angels, to keep you in all your ways.
Gospel (Matthew 18:1–5, 10)
Meditation and Reflection
The first reading reminds us that God has commanded His angels to guard us on our way and to lead us safely to the destination He has prepared for us. They surround us before us, behind us, beside us, and above us even while we sleep. How many dangers have we been spared without ever realizing it? Only God knows.
But protection requires cooperation. God tells us: “Give heed to him and listen to his voice. Do not rebel against him.” The whisper of caution, the sudden sense not to go somewhere, the inner nudge that saved you from danger that was not “just something.” That was your guardian angel guiding you.
Therefore, build a relationship with your guardian angel. Speak with him. Pray with him. Ask for his intercession. Each day, when you rise, say:
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”
The guardian angel is a constant reminder that you are precious to God. No president, celebrity, or diplomat is as protected as you are, for the Lord Himself has entrusted you to the vigilant care of His heavenly messengers.
The Letter to the Hebrews says, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” This profound message reminds us that those we encounter may be more than they appear, possibly even angels in disguise.
Jesus conveys a similar idea in today’s gospel when he says, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” In Jesus’ time, children had no social standing or status. Yet he tells his disciples that when they welcome the least among them, like little children, they are actually welcoming him.
He comes to us through those whom society deems lowly and insignificant, calling for humility that transcends social standards and expectations. This lesson is crucial for the disciples who have just been arguing about which of them is the greatest.
Not only do we welcome Jesus when we embrace a child, but unless we adopt a childlike attitude distinct from being childish, we will never enter the kingdom of God. This should inspire us to cultivate a childlike mindset characterized by innocence, trust, and dependence on God.
With faith that God hears our prayers and knows our true needs, we bring these petitions before Him: that we may rely on our guardian angels for guidance and strength as we deal with the decisions of our daily lives. Amen.
God bless you and have a wonderful day 🙏
Pal Ronnie
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