Daily Gospel Reflection for October 2, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5,10

One of the first prayers I learned as a little girl was a prayer to my guardian angel. This prayer asks my angel “to light and guard, to rule and guide” every moment of my life.

As a mom, I taught my young children the same prayer. And I have encouraged them to always remember to invoke their angel’s intercession whenever they need help.

Perhaps today’s Gospel is why we learn about our guardian angels at such a tender age. Here, Jesus states that the angels of these little ones "always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10)

But devotion to our guardian angel should not end when childhood does. The Church teaches that “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.” (CCC 336) And so, it is important to contemplate the presence of our guardian angel at all times throughout life.

But in this fast-paced world, we can fall into the belief that once we reach a certain age, we have to become more self-reliant. We forget that we don't have to do life alone. The Lord has given us a heavenly companion to walk with us every step of the way.

Perhaps this is where the rest of today’s Gospel is so beneficial. It reminds us to refocus and remember that what the world says isn’t always what is most important, especially in the eyes of God.

Our Lord says,

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4

So, today, let us rekindle our relationship with our guardian angel and call upon him to keep us company throughout the day. He is already by our side anyway, just waiting for us to turn our gaze toward him and ask for his friendship, guidance, and protection.

Ponder:

Do you have a devotion to your guardian angel? How can you grow in relationship with him?

Pray:

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, to rule and guide. Amen.

Copyright 2024 Sarah Damm