Touched by an Angel - Amy Schisler

“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. “Matthew 18:10

As you read this, I’m either anxiously awaiting the birth of my second grandchild (and first grandson) or am helping my daughter and her husband with their two littles ones. What joy fills me that my daughter has received these blessed babies from our Lord. What fear I feel for their futures in this world full of uncertainty.

When my three girls were growing up, each one of them had a print hanging in their rooms of guardian angels. They learned and recited the Guardian Angel Prayer* at school and knew their angels were watching over them. Sometimes, I wonder if we outgrow our angels. Are they able to keep up with us on those days we can barely keep up with ourselves?

Angels in the Outfield

I watch what young people do today, what they are faced with, how they live, and who they worship, and I can’t help but wonder how their guardian angels feel. Do they shake their heads in disbelief at the values of today’s society? Do they cry over the ones they’ve lost to darker powers? Do they continue to watch over their charges even if they stop believing in angels or demons or God?

There’s a lot more to Matthew’s passage that is not part of today’s reading. Jesus tells the Apostles, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). He then says, “Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come! (Matthew 18:7). He tells them to cut off hand or foot, tear out eyes, if one of those causes the person to sin.

What must the angels think of the world today so full of sin at every turn?

Angels Among Us

Though we tend to think of guardian angels watching over children, I believe they are nearby throughout our lives. How else can I continue to go one when I have loved ones who have left the Church and have no desire to pray or worship? I have to believe their angels are still out there fighting for them, praying for their return, watching over them like a shepherd watches his sheep, coaxing them to find their way back to the flock.

Once our little one and his mom are back home, the preparation for Baptism will begin. I know his guardian angel will be on the altar with Mom, Dad, and godparents, smiling at this child through the eyes of the Heavenly Father. I pray that all our angels continue to smile upon us, especially on those who don’t feel their presence but need them desperately even if they don’t realize it.