Wednesday, October 2 : Saint John-Mary Vianney

My brethren, our most faithful friends are our guardian angels because they stay with us day and night, at all times and in all places; faith teaches us that we have them always at our side. That is why it was said to David: “No evil shall befall us… for to his angels the Lord has given command that they guard us in all our ways” (Ps 91[90],10-11). And to show us just how much care he has for us the prophet says that they bear us in their hands as a mother carries her child. Ah! It’s because God foresees the innumerable dangers to which we are exposed while on earth, in the midst of so many enemies all seeking our fall. Yes, these are our good angels who console us in our trials, warn us when the devil is coming to tempt us, offer our prayers and all our good actions to God, assist us in our death and offer our souls to their sovereign judge… Since the beginning of the world the interchange of angels with humans has been so frequent that Holy Scripture constantly refers to it… Almost all the patriarchs and prophets were instructed by angels concerning the Lord’s wishes. And very often we even see God causing himself to be represented by angels. But are you going to tell me that if they could be seen we would have far greater trust? If it had been necessary for our soul’s salvation the good God would have made them visible. But it matters little since, in our religion, we only have knowledge by faith in order that all our actions may have the more merit… If you would like to know the number of the angels and their function I will tell you that they are without number. Some were created to honor Jesus Christ in his hidden life, suffering and glorious, or to be the guardians of men without ceasing, for all that, to rejoice in the divine presence. Others are occupied in contemplating God’s perfections, or they watch over our preservation by providing us with all the means we need for our sanctification. Even though the good God is sufficient in himself yet he makes use, nonetheless, of the ministry of angels to rule over the world.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team