Episode 2554: The Ministry of Angels - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we will delve into the profound reality of angels and their role in our spiritual lives. As St. Francis de Sales wisely counseled: “Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.”
The Catholic Church has always taught about the close relationship between angels and human beings, recognizing them as messengers and ministers of God. From the pages of Scripture, to the lives of the saints, angels appear again and again, fulfilling God’s commands, protecting us from harm, and interceding on our behalf. Their presence reminds us that we are never alone in our trials and joys; they are with us always, guiding us on the path to holiness.
Let’s reflect on the powerful assistance angels provide to us just as they did for Christ in His time of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and how we can strengthen our friendship with these heavenly beings. Let us open our hearts to the ministry of angels and learn how to call upon them in our daily spiritual battles.
Let’s begin by considering the words of St. Francis de Sales:
“Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.”
In our modern world, angels are often relegated to myth or sentimental imagery. But the truth is, angels are real and powerful beings created by God to serve His will and assist us in our earthly journey. These spiritual creatures, though invisible to our eyes, are present in every moment of our lives. They watch over us, protect us, and guide us toward God.
St. Francis de Sales encourages us to “make friends” with the angels. This friendship is not something distant or abstract, but an active relationship. Just as we rely on our earthly friends for support, we can and should rely on our heavenly friends, the angels. By invoking them in prayer, praising God for their ministry, and asking for their assistance, we open ourselves to their divine help in both our spiritual and temporal needs. The angels long to bring us closer to Christ, and their mission is to ensure that we walk securely on the path to holiness.
Now, let’s turn to the Gospel of Luke, where we see the angels ministering to Jesus in His hour of need:
“There appeared to Him an angel from heaven to strengthen Him” (Luke 22:43).
As Fr. Ralph Gorman reflects, it was an angel who strengthened Christ in His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, in His humanity, faced unimaginable suffering, suffering that began in His soul and overflowed into His body. As He prepared to endure the Passion, it was an angel who brought Him strength, helping Him to persevere in the face of overwhelming anguish.
This scene should fill us with hope. If Jesus, the Son of God, received aid from the angels in His darkest moment, how much more will they come to our aid when we call upon them? In times of trial, temptation, and suffering, we can rely on the strength of the angels to help us remain faithful to God. They minister to us just as they ministered to Christ, encouraging us, protecting us, and lifting us up when we feel weak.
In Psalm 103, we are reminded of the angels' obedience and their role as ministers of God:
“Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will!” (Psalm 103:19-21).
The angels exist to glorify God and carry out His will. When we invoke them, we align ourselves with God’s plan for us. They assist us in doing God’s will, helping us to avoid sin and guiding us in the pursuit of virtue. The angels protect us not only from physical harm but from spiritual dangers as well. By calling upon them in prayer, we invite their heavenly protection into our lives and allow them to guide us safely through the temptations and trials we face each day.
Practical Application:
1. Invoke the Angels in Daily Life:
Make a habit of calling upon your guardian angel every day. Pray the Angel of God prayer, and ask for guidance and protection in all your spiritual and temporal affairs. Develop a deep friendship with your angel by speaking to them frequently and asking for their intercession.
2. Trust in Angelic Assistance in Times of Trial:
When you face moments of suffering or spiritual dryness, remember the example of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Ask the angels to strengthen you, just as they strengthened Jesus. Know that the angels are always ready to help you carry your crosses and endure hardships with grace.
3. Praise God for His Heavenly Hosts:
Take time to reflect on the majesty of God’s creation, including the angels. Thank God for the gift of the angels, who constantly intercede for us and help us in our journey toward Heaven. Praise Him for the invisible companions who guide us and protect us every day.
Conclusion:
As we come to the end of today’s reflection, let us remember that we are not alone on this journey to holiness. The angels are always with us, offering their guidance, protection, and strength. Just as they ministered to Christ, they will minister to us in our times of need. By making friends with the angels, invoking their help, and trusting in their intercession, we open ourselves to the fullness of God’s grace and protection.
Let us strive to grow in friendship with the angels and to rely on their assistance in all our spiritual and temporal affairs. In doing so, we unite ourselves more closely to God and to His heavenly will for our lives.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the angels, who serve You in perfect obedience and minister to us with love. Help us to grow in friendship with our guardian angels and to trust in their guidance and protection. Strengthen us in times of trial, just as You strengthened Your Son through the ministry of an angel in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we always praise You for the gift of these heavenly companions and seek their help in all that we do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May the angels continue to guide you, protect you, and bring you closer to Christ. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly!