A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 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."
REFLECTION: "their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."
When our children were young we would rent a beach house in Galvestion with another family equally yoked with same aged children. It was the highlight of the summer, filled with swimming, fishing, exploring, crabbing and good food. So excited the children were that they would sleep in their bathing suits ready to enjoy their day without any delay. They were well equipped and ready for the next day's adventures. They were prepared for their vacation.
God created man in His image. When filled with pride, man said he had a better plan. And since then we have been battling with the devil. God did not abandon us but in His mercy Christ saved us through His Cross. He equipped us for spiritual warfare in this battle against principalities and the powers of darkness. He asks us to be prepared.
In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are to draw our strength from the Lord and from His mighty power to do battle with the devil's army. These spiritual weapons are truth, righteousness, faith, the gospel of peace, and the Word of God. He gave each one of us a guardian angel for spiritual assistance. They pray for us, talk with us and to other guardian angels.
Saint Padre Pio saw and conversed with his guardian angel. He would say, " send your guardian angel to me". God would never allow us to go into battle alone. "Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."
Be prepared and do not tire of the daily battles with the devil, the world and the flesh. Do not allow ourselves to become lax. As Father Pio did-- listen to the whisperings of your guardian angel.
God Bless
