"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule, and guide."
Many of us learned this prayer as children, but notice the verbs at the end: to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. That is no small task. It is a far cry from the sweet, sentimental image of angels as chubby infants with wings. Angels are powerful spiritual beings, stronger than any of us.
That is what makes today's Gospel so surprising. Jesus reveals that even the smallest child has an angel who gazes upon the face of God. Each one of us has been entrusted to the care of one of these powerful beings, who beholds God in heaven and at the same time watches over us here.
It should make us stop and wonder: what does God think of me, that he is willing to provide that kind of help? This is a God who wants our salvation even more than we do, who spares nothing in pursuing it, and who invites us not only into relationship with himself but into the fellowship of all the angels and saints.
Today is a chance to give thanks for how much God loves and provides for us, and to turn to our guardian angels and ask for their help, so that we might come through this life to eternal life and gaze with the angels upon the face of God forever.
**Chapters**
0:00 Welcome | Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
0:16 "Angel of God, My Guardian Dear" – The Traditional Prayer
0:43 Angels Are Powerful, Not Chubby Infants
1:13 Today's Gospel: Every Child Has an Angel Before God
1:40 What Does God Think of Me?
2:27 Give Thanks and Turn to Your Guardian Angel
**Today's reflection**
- When was the last time I asked my guardian angel for help to light, guard, rule, and guide me?
- What does it tell me about God's love that he has entrusted me to such a powerful protector?
**Today's readings:** Matthew 18:1-5, 10
#AWordOfHope #GuardianAngels #DailyGospel #AngelOfGod #CatholicReflection #CatholicPrayer