Our Advent and Christmas readings might be the most angel-filled of the entire year. These stories can ignite our curiosity about these important spiritual beings. In reality, they are nothing like the cute, placid figurines sold in variety stores and embraced by the New Age culture. They are bold, faithful servants of God fulfilling his every call.
Several years ago, Father’s Gill’s exorcist friend, Fr. Cliff, came and spoke to the parish. Interestingly, he spoke as much, if not more, about angels as he did demons. I have done research since and find angels fascinating. Whereas humans are both spiritual and corporal beings, angels and demons are purely spiritual. That is why human beings do not become angels when they die. Your mother, child or loved one in heaven can inspire you as a saint – never as an angel – because our bodies are part of what makes us eternally human.
Angels have far superior intelligence to humans. Angels were infused with full intelligence when they were created, whereas humans grow in wisdom and knowledge through age and experience. Angels do not look like human beings with wings as many artists render them. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that every angel looks different from every other: they are each their own species, and they look as different from one another as a frog, for instance, might compare to a walrus. We see in Scripture, that God may allow messenger angels to temporarily look like humans for specific reasons, but that isn’t their true image. That is why the first words an angel might say to a human are, “Be not afraid!” Seeing an angel would probably be a very startling sight, unlike anything we have ever seen before.
There are more angels than we can comprehend. The Church teaches that there are nine choirs of angels, with each choir having its distinct responsibilities. There is a hierarchy, and they accept it without jealousy or conflict. The higher the choir, the more powerful and plentiful the angels are. The highest choir is the Seraphim, and the ninth/lowest choir is the Guardian Angels. Every human being from the being of time to the end has been assigned his or her own unique Guardian Angel – and that is the choir with the least number! Don’t settle for a tepid understanding of these resplendent beings. Understanding the truth of angels helps us understand God, his power, his love, his Kingdom, and the magnificent companions we have in this world and the next.
Scripture: Read Revelation 4:8. What stands out?
Call to Action: Join us for a 7-week program Angels in the Bible beginning Jan 14th and learn more about these brilliant beings.
