October 2
Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
First Reading
Ex 23:20-23
Thus says the LORD: "See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.
"My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites; and I will wipe them out."
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10-11
R. (11) The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler, from the destroying pestilence. With his pinions he will cover you, and under his wings you shall take refuge.
R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
His faithfulness is a buckler and a shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day; Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the devastating plague at noon.
R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
No evil shall befall you, nor shall affliction come near your tent, For to his angels he has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways.
R. The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
Gospel
MT 18:1-5, 10
The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“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.”
Give a Mass Offering
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
“How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it”
Readings & Reflection
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I have a friend who often reminds me how humble he considers himself! Those of us in our circle of friends recognize this man’s great strength and knowledge but do wonder why he does not see this particular action as being anything but humble!
When we reflect on the Gospels, we never see Jesus taking credit for miracles, healings, teachings, etc. He is continually pointing back to God the Father. We never see Jesus being preoccupied with power or greatness; this is why the Pharisees fail to understand who Jesus is. They desire to be powerful, and to lord that power over those whom they have control.
Jesus tells us that it cannot be that way with us. We are here to serve. The question we may ask ourselves today is, “How are we serving?” We should find the answer not within our own head, for that might risk us not being humble, but instead observe how others see us. If others see us as humble servants then we are following the command of Jesus, the Christ.
Peace,
Fr. John Kurgan
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