Fr. Bill's Weekly Message
for 9/27/98
Dear Parishioners:
There is quite a fascination about angels these days.
A rather good television show "touched by an angel" has done much to make
people aware of the reality of angels and the existence of a personal God
Who forgives and loves us no matter what we have done or failed to do.
I'm not at all sure that angels look like Monica or
Andrew. TV has a way of covering over the truth and making sure stories
always have a happy ending. TV's angels never seem to bring the hard news.
Their message never talks about "taking up your cross" (Mk. 8:34), "the
suffering servant" (Is. 52:13 - 53:12) et al.
God's message sometimes takes on a tough love theme.
Things do not always work out the way we want. Sometimes people will ask
God for a particular favor. When a certain answer is not forthcoming,
people will say that God did not answer their prayer.
Well perhaps, the answer is, "No." "No" can be an answer.
Do angels exist? They certainly do. They are not
figments of our imagination. They are the messengers of God, His instruments
of bringing grace and His love. They, like one another, can be used by
God. Below is a short article on angels from Liguori Publications.
Angelsarenowhere
Did you read that line "Angels are nowhere" or "Angels
are now here"? We see what we expect to see. And maybe some of us don't
see angels because we "know" angels don't exist. As the Church honors angels
on September 29 and October 2, take time to reflect on the angels in your
life.
Angels Comfort: Angels ministered to Jesus after
his temptation (see Matthew 4:11). Were you ever comforted in an unexplained
way? Could it have been an angel?
Angels Strengthen: An angel strengthened Jesus
during his agony in the garden (see Luke 22:43). Remember a problem you
thought you couldn't face, but you persevered. Could an angel have lent
you strength?
Angels Guard: Jesus says, "Take care that you
do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their
angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).
Were you ever in danger and received unexpected protection? Was an angel
guarding you?
Angels Announce: Angels brought messages to Mary,
the shepherds, and others. Can you remember a time when you received a
sudden intuition or needed information? Did it come from an angel?
Do you need comfort, strength, protection or a message?
Imagine how an angel could help you. For example, if you face a difficult
temptation, imagine an angel standing in front of you, protecting you.
Ask God to send an angel to minister to you.
Let us dare to trust in God's grace and indeed ask
for an angel to touch us. But beware. God might just do what we ask.
God bless,
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