The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels | Wednesday 2 October 2024

Today is Wednesday the 2nd of October, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, in the 26th week of Ordinary Time.

In our journeying this day, keep us, Father, in your way. As you listen to this song by Keith Duke, why not make this your own prayer today? To know God’s closeness to you, here, right now, and never to lose sight of it. To let yourself be loved, enlivened and guided by God.

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

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.

When my angel goes in front of you, and brings you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I blot them out, you shall not bow down to their gods, or worship them, or follow their practices, but you shall utterly demolish them and break their pillars in pieces.

Today is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. From the beginning of scripture, these beings have been charged with the care of humanity. What is your understanding of angels? Do you have a sense of connection to this heavenly community?

The Israelites are escaping into the unknown. Yet they are being guided and protected. Reflect on the sense of safety and direction the angel provides. Does this have meaning in your life now?

As you listen to the reading again, notice what you are drawn to…

‘Pay attention to him and listen to what he says’.

Spend a few moments in silent contemplation, inviting the Holy Spirit to deepen your awareness of God’s guiding presence in your life.

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.