The Angels Among Us

The Angels Among Us

Do you feel the presence of angels in your life? The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly affirms the existence of these spiritual, non-corporeal beings, and believes God created them before the rest of creation.

 The word, angel comes from the Greek word angelos which means “messenger,” describing their role in interacting with this world. St. Thomas Aquinas defined angels as “spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and they work together for the benefit of us all.”

 As we celebrate Christmas, we will hear the news of the angel Gabriel whose name means “strength of God,” announcing to Mary that she had been chosen as the mother of the Savior. 

Since the 4th century, nine choirs or types of angels are identified in the Bible:

1. The first three choirs see and adore God directly.

• The seraphim, which means “the burning ones,” have the most intense “flaming” love for God and comprehend Him with the greatest clarity
• .The cherubim, which means “fullness of wisdom,” contemplate God’s divine providence and plan for His creatures. 
• he thrones, symbolizing divine justice and judicial power, contemplate God’s power and justice

2. The next three choirs fulfill God’s providential plan for the universe: 

• The dominations or dominions, whose name evokes authority, govern the lesser choirs of angels. 
• The virtues, whose name originally suggested power or strength, implement the orders from the dominations and govern the heavenly bodies. 
• The powers confront and fight against any evil forces opposed to God’s providential plan. The principalities care for earthly principalities, such as nations or cities. 

The last three choirs are directly involved in human affairs: 

•  The principalities care for earthly principalities, such as nations or cities.
•  The archangels deliver God’s most important messages to mankind, while each angel serves as a guardian for each of us. Catholics remember the important role of St. Michael in defending us against Satan and the powers of evil. 
•   Angels who serve as a guardian for each of us. 

After the Angel Gabriel told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus, an army of angels sang praises to God saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

We wish you peace this Christmas season, knowing that the heavenly hosts will strengthen and comfort you. Hark the herald, angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

 Merry Christmas!