February 10, 2010

ASK AN APOLOGIST

By Ben Akers

Q: Is there any scriptural or other tangible support for the pious belief that each of us has a guardian angel or is this simply a myth?

A: The Nicene Creed, professed every Sunday, states that we believe God is the “maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.”  An important part of this unseen, invisible creation is the angels.  In a past article we have talked about the scriptural basis for the belief in angels and their division into nine choirs (Sept. 23, 2009, Denver Catholic Register).  We can also find scriptural evidence in the Old and New Testaments for the belief in personal guardian angels.

For example, in Psalm 91, the psalmist recounts that those who trust in the Lord will be protected in the face of great adversities.  They are given words of encouragement that “(God) will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways” (Ps 91:11).  In the New Testament, Jesus takes a child in the midst of the disciples and tells his followers “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 18:10).

Reflecting on these and other scriptural references (cf. Ps 34:7; Job 33:23-24; Lk 16:22; Acts 12:15; Heb 1:14), there has been a general consensus among Christian writers and theologians that every individual in the world, Christian or not, is assigned a guardian angel when they are born.  The Church has even set aside Oct. 2 as a feast day in the liturgical calendar to celebrate the guardian angels. 

What do these guardian angels “do”?  There is a beautifully simple prayer which is full of theologically sound teaching which answers this question.  Many of us have been taught this rhyming prayer in childhood but it succinctly explains the mission of the guardian angels: “Angel of God, my guardian dear/to whom God’s love commits me here./Ever this day (night) be at my side/to light, to guard, to rule and to guide. Amen.”  For more information, read the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s section on “The Angels” (paragraphs 328-336).

This week’s apologist, Ben Akers, S.T.L., is director of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and the Catechetical School. E-mail your question to editor@archden.org or mail to: DCR Editor, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver CO 80210.