Protectors

 When Peter was imprisoned by Herod, he was freed by an angel.  Does that seem strange to you?  It doesn't seem very strange to Peter.  He seemed to have taken the occurrence as a matter of course.  Acts 12: 1-19.

There's a footnote in my Ignatius Catholic Study Bible on Acts 12: 15, that refers me to Matthew 18:10.  Here Jesus is telling His disciples to not despise the little ones because their angels behold the face of the Father in heaven.  The footnote to that verse explains, "Scripture portrays God's angels as protectors, guides, and helpers of His people (Tob 12: 15; Job 33: 23-23; Ps 34: 7, 91: 11, Acts 12: 15, and Heb 1: 14).  The elect angels already participate in glory as they behold the face of God in heaven ( CCC 329, 336). This verse is traditionally cited as biblical evidence for guardian angels.  Several Church Fathers teach that God assigns everyone an angel to watch over him throughout life."

I also remember Dr. Scott Hahn relating the story of being distraught over his son's dire illness.  He got down on his knees and prayed fervently.  Suddenly he became aware that he was not alone in the room.  The room was crowded with angels and saints.

Over the years I've more or less regarded the stories of angels, just that--stories.  Pious stories parents tell their children so that they feel safe.  Today, I am rethinking that assumption.

Choirs of Angels

 

Tradition tells us that there are nine levels or choirs of angels.

aseraphim,

cherubim,

thrones,

dominions,

virtues,

powers,

principalities,

archangels,

angels

There is no firm set teaching that explains "who, what, why", etc. about angels, but traditions, personal revelations, and writings have put down some understandings.  They are different with different abilities, like we humans.  They aren't different races but rather different species, according to Thomas Aquinas.  

The angels are put in choirs like musical choirs because they do sing praises to God just by loving Him.  Love is praise, is it not?  When I get to heaven, I want to see and understand these angels.  Can you imagine? 

St. Paul when teaching to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6: 3) told the people that they ought to be able to settle disputes within the community because when they die they will judge the angels.  Curious affirmation, is it not?  I can't wait to see what that's about!

St. Vincent Ferrer

St. Vincent Ferrer was a great preacher. On one occasion, when St. Vincent Ferrer was entering Barcelona, he saw the Angel Guardian of the city. He spoke of this fact, when he gave a sermon to the people. As a consequence, a special devotion sprang up toward the angel, and a monument was erected in his honor. At the hour of St. Vincent's death, a multitude of angels came to

accompany his soul to heaven. The angels filled the house in which he lay dying under the appearance of snow white birds of ravishing beauty, and disappeared at the moment that the Saint breathed his last breath.

St. Vincent is frequently depicted with wings like an Angel because he had a special rapport with the angels.