The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels | Monday 2 October 2023

Today is Monday 2 October, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, in the 26th week of Ordinary time.

The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘All Angels’, by George Arthur.

And there was a great calm,
And lo, I saw ten thousand times a thousand angels round the throne of light.
Alleluia.

Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus.

Exodus 23:20-23

I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him. But if you listen attentively to his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

In the Old Testament the angels are messengers who guide the people of Israel. Today is the feast of the Guardian angels who protect us day by day. Wherever you are right now, take a moment to enjoy God’s guidance and protection…

The angels are carrying a message from God to the people of Israel as they walk through the desert. Whether you feel as though you are walking through an arid wilderness or a lush green pasture, open your ears to everything that is going on within and without…

Now listen again to the reading and notice how God instructs the people of Israel. He invites them to listen attentively to his voice. In what ways have you heard God’s voice recently? Has God been trying to tell you something important?

God reassures the people of Israel that if they listen to his message then he will be on their side. What difference does it make to know that God is on your side in the challenges you face? Speak to God about the challenges you face and ask him to strengthen you before them…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.