Catechesis on the Holy Angel with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

CATECHESIS ON THE HOLY ANGELS

(A Talk Presented by Rev. Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM during the Memorial of the Guardian Angels today, October 2, 2021 at Immaculate Conception International Shrine, Oboetim, Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.)

Introduction

The primary source of our knowledge and understanding of the holy angels is based on the sacred scripture. The mention of “angels” is found in many citations in the Holy scripture which in the course of this teaching we will certainly come across some of them.

However, the doctrine of the angels in the Church always meets the faithful with mixed feelings. To some it invokes pertinent questions like: Who are the angels? Where can we find them? And to the extent of asking how authentic is their existence etc. These thought provoking questions and the likes of this arises from man’s inquisitiveness to behold everything as it really is. Even in their knowledge of what concerns salvation, they see no reason to be interested in the possible existence of angels, with whom even pious but rational people of today have, after all, nothing to do. While others at the other hand hold tenaciously with firm believe to the teachings and experiences concerning encounter with the angelic beings.

In the light of these two camps of believers that this work attempts to educate, and bring to limelight answers to most of the pertinent questions bothering the minds of the faithful in our age. We will in the course of this teaching define the term “angels”, distinguishing other angels from “the Holy Guardian Angels” whom we keep vigil for today, their ranks and ministries, the doctrine behind them, scriptural backgrounds on the holy angels, as well as biblical angelic experiences and testimonies. 

Defining the concept “Angels”

Biblically, the word “Angel” as it is in English form comes from the Latin usage “angelus”; which itself derives from the ancient Greek term “angelos” or “aggelos” meaning – ‘messenger’ or ‘one’ who is sent on a mission’. The Greek word “angelos” was therefore used in early Christian era to translate the Hebrew word “mal’akh”, which could mean “a messenger” or “an agent”, and which in turn comes from the Hebrew verb “malakha”, meaning “to toil or work”, form the root “lakh”, meaning “mission or service.” Putting them together, Angel therefore means, God’s messenger sent with a mission. This understanding gives rise to the term “Angelology” in Theology which refers to the systematic study of angels.

Who are the Angels?

To answer this fundamental question, reference will be made to the Sacred Scripture. The Old Testament described the Angel as God’s messenger “Mal’ak IHWH”.  That is, one sent by God with a mission. Particularly in popular belief in earlier times, he was regarded as a helpful, benevolent messenger (cf. 2 Kings 19:35; Exodus 14:19 etc.)

 Biblical Description of the nature of the Angels

The Holy scripture gives four different descriptions of the Angels based on their nature. These are: 

I. As Personal Beings

II. As Spirit Beings 

III. As Being with more communicable attributes than man

IV. As Beings organized and ranked in hierarchies.

As Personal Beings: The Holy Bible describes Angels as Personal Beings from the activities they performed. From this point of view one can discern three major qualities of personhood which 2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36; Matthew 28:5 gives allusion to it. That is, they have intellect, they express emotions and they have the will. 

Angelic Intellect: (cf. Matthew 28:5; I Peter 1:12): This implies that, they were created with intelligence and wisdom. This knowing faculty in the Angels helped the Angel of the resurrection who was at the tomb when the women seeking the body of Jesus arrived. He redirected them to go and announce the risen Christ to the brethren and to tell them that He had gone ahead of them to Galilee where they will see Him (cf. Matthew 28:5-7). And Peter spoke of the angel having the capacity to know. (cf. I Peter 1:12).

Angelic Emotions: (cf. Job 38:7; Luke 2:13; 15:10)

As Personal beings, Angels expresses emotions. The holy scripture made reference to this attribute in many instances. Such as: At the birth of Jesus the they rejoice over a repented sinner (cf. Luke 15:10). The rejoice with a shout of joy at the break of the day (cf. Job 38:7). Other expression of emotions can be seen among the fallen Angels: fear (Mark 1:23-24; 5:7); of shuddering (James 2:19); and of anger (Revelation 12:17).

Angelic Will (Jude 1:6): 

Angelic beings possess will. For free will is a constitutive make-up of every being with spiritual nature, whether divine, angelic or human. Angels as pure spirits must have freedom of choice which involves willing. “As God did not spare the Angels that sinned.” In the light of this, Paschal Parente in Anokwulu’s Holy Angels support this attribute of Angels: 

“Sacred Scripture clearly implies the existence of a free will in the Angelic nature. The mere fact that a number of them sinned while the rest chose to remain loyal to God proves it beyond doubt. Personal sin is a willful transgression of the law of God. Since the Scripture explicitly reveals the sin of the Angels and their banishment from heaven, it clearly implies that they are in possession of a free will.”

As Spirit Beings: 

The Holy Scripture describes the Angels as “pure spirits” without any material body. (cf. Hebrews 1:14). This implies that, an Angel has no body and is not dependent on material body either for its existence or its operations.

As Being with more communicable attributes than man:  

It is obvious that in divinity there are certain attributes or characteristics that form part of the very essence of who God is – God is Absolute, self-existent, Self-sufficient, Immutable or Eternal. These form what is referred to as “incommunicable attributes of God” which He does not share with His creatures. But that God is Loving, Holy, Just, Compassionate, Wise, Truth etc. are the communicable attributes which He shares with the Angels and man. Study however shows that, the Angel’s attributes are more or higher than that of man because of their immaterial nature.

As Beings organized and ranked in hierarchies: Angels are being described to be ranked in hierarchical structure or order. Which we shall take a look at in a short while in the course of this work.

The Ministries and Ranks of Angels 

The Holy Angels have ranks and ministries. For the purpose of this work, we will restrict within the context of our teaching making reference to Psalm 91. In Psalm 91, which is divided into two major parts as accepted by some biblical scholars: the first part which runs from verse 1 to 13 which forms what is referred to as “sermonette of encouragement” and the second part from verse 14 to 16 which consists of a “divine oracle” with God as the speaker. However, the ministry of Angels falls within the first two promises made in the first part of the Psalm. The Angel is divided into three divisions (Triadic division). The division or ordering of the Angels is based on their functions and closeness to God. There are nine ranks and ministries of Angels. These are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Angels and Archangels. And they are sub-divided into three major divisions: 

The First Triad:

This comprises of Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. They are the closest to the sublime divinity of God. They are committed to the end or goal of Angel ministration – which is praising God. The “Seraphim” excel in what is supreme excellence of all, “Cherubim” know the Divine secrets super eminently; and “the Thrones” are the familiar recipients of God in themselves. 

The Second Triad: 

In the second Triad we have Dominations, Virtues and Powers. They are as well committed to the same divine praise. Dominations have the authority of appointing tasks for the governance of the universe. For this they could also be called “Rulers” or “Dominions”. The “Virtues” has the responsibility of carrying out what to be done; and the “Powers” are responsible to order how what has been commanded or decided to be done.

The Third Triad:  

Are Principalities, Angels and Archangels whose functions are to minister to man. They are lower than the others in the hierarchy. The “Principalities” are initiators or beginner of divine will for man; “Angels” are actual executors of divine will in action; “Archangels” are special mediators or Angels of special duties in execution of the duties.

What we need to know about our Guardian Angels

It is considered theologically certain that; each member of the faith has a special guardian angel from the time of baptism. 

Guardian angels are assigned to guard a particular person, especially with respect to helping that person avoid spiritual dangers and achieve salvation.

The angel also helps the person to avoid physical dangers, particularly if this will help the person to achieve salvation.  Biblical Angelic Experiences

- This kind gesture of our guardian angels is found in many instances in the Scripture. For instance, in the book of Tobit, Angel Raphael is assigned to help Tobit’s son and his family in general. (cf. Tobit 5:5-6; 6:2-9).

In the book of Daniel, Michael is described as “the great prince who has charge of (Daniel’s) people” (cf. Daniel 12:1). Thus, depicted as “guardian angel of Israel.”

In the Gospels, Jesus indicates that there are guardian angels for individuals, including little children when he said: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father ....” (Matthew 18:10)

Church’s Teaching on the Holy Angels

Following the teaching of the Church, from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer, stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

It is on this note, that the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments reminded us thus: Devotion to the Holy Angels gives rise to a certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by:

Devout gratitude to God for having placed these heavenly spirits of great sanctity and dignity at the service of man.

An attitude of devotion deriving from the knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of God – serenity and confidence in facing difficult situations, since the Lord guides and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of His Holy Angels.

Also, names should not be assigned to the Holy Angels or Guardian Angels as the case may be, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.

Conclusion

Beloved friends in Christ, as we gather on this beautiful night to keep vigil for the great feast of our Guardian angels, let us turn our hearts and minds to God in believing divine revelation. For not all that we see, that can be considered to be “truth”, there are others that dwell in mystery that can only be deciphered with the eyes of faith. Together, let us invoke God through our guardian angels for protection as we say:

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, rule and guide. Amen.