![]() Jerome puts it, “The worth of souls is so great that from birth each one has an angel assigned to him for protection.” Piper emphasizes how the presence of guardian angels should lead us to a greater respect for our fellow Christians: “Therefore don’t despise this simple, unimpressive disciple of Jesus! Let his angelic entourage remind you whose son he is.” 9. (I’m particularly indebted to Protestant preacher John Piper for pointing this out.) As St. It is particularly evident from Matthew 18:10 where Jesus instructs us not to ‘despise’ the ‘little ones’ because they have angels watching over them. This follows from all that has been said before. As the great dogmatic theologian Ludwig Ott explained, “According to the general teaching of the theologians, however, not only every baptized person, but every human being, including unbelievers, has his own special guardian angel from his birth.” Pope Benedict XVI also taught that guardian angels are “ministers of the divine care for every human being.” (Thanks to Jimmy Akin for highlighting these sources.) 8. Aquinas also makes this clear in explaining that God never leaves any of us, including sinners. ![]() In the verse Jesus says, “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.” The reason that we get guardian angels at birth is that their aid is associated with our nature as rational beings, rather than belonging to the order of grace, according to Aquinas (Question 113, Article 5, Answer). His basis was Matthew 18:10, which is a crucially important Scriptural passage that supports the existence of guardian angels. Guard us from birthĬhurch Fathers once debated whether guardian angels were assigned at birth or at baptism. But it’s an added comfort to know that they are possible. Of course, we cannot count on such miracles. The story suggests that it is his own personal angel that has intervened (see verse 15). This is illustrated by the story of Peter in Acts 12, when an angel helps break the apostle out of prison. Guardian angels not only ‘guard,’ they also can save us when we are already in trouble. Intervene miraculously to save us from trouble They are faithful they are prudent they are powerful why do we tremble?” 5. As he puts it, “Why should we fear under such guardians? Those who keep us in all our ways can neither be overcome nor be deceived, much less deceive. We should have the courage to live out our faith boldly and confront whatever life might throw our way. Bernard also says that with angels such as these at our side we should have no fear. Bernard says in a sermon, “As often, therefore, as a most serious temptation is perceived to weigh upon you and an excessive trial is threatening, call to your guard, your leader, your helper in your needs, in your tribulation cry to him and say: ‘Lord, save us we perish!’” 4. Guardian angels do not just ward off evil, they also strengthen us so we can do it ourselves. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” 3. For example, Psalm 91:11-12 declares, “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. Guardian angels generally protect us from both spiritual and physical harm, according to Aquinas (Question 113, Article 5, Reply 3). Thomas Aquinas, one of the roles of the guardian angels is to fight off demons ( Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 113, Articles 2-6). ![]() There is a truth to this: according to St. Sometimes we visualize moral decision-making as a debate between a bad angel whispering in one ear and a good angel speaking wisely in the other. (I, for one, am certainly guilty of this!) In order to better enlist the aid of guardian angels, it might help to have a better appreciation of they can do for us. Their existence is supported by Scripture and both Catholics and Protestants believe in themīut too often we neglect to tap this great spiritual resource. Christian tradition calls them guardian angels. But he also did more than this: he offered you moral guidance, helped you become a stronger person, and led you to your ultimate calling in life. He did all the usual bodyguard things like protecting you from danger, warding off assailants, and generally keeping you safe in all situations. Imagine you had a bodyguard who was always with you. ![]()
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