AN ANGEL OF THE LORD

PRAYER MOMENT                       

Monday 29 September 2014, Archangels Michael, Gabriel & Raphael.

AN ANGEL OF THE LORD

Pause. Be still in God’s presence.

Reading: “An angel of the Lord stoodover them and the glory of the Lord shone rpound them …, ‘I bring you news of great joy’” (Luke 2:8-14)

Reflection. I suspect most of us are uncomfortable speaking about angels. We prefer talking of things we have some experience of. Even the Scriptures speak of angels only when they want to underline the intervention of God in our world. So we have Gabriel at the annunciation to Mary and the angel announcing the news of Jesus’ birth to the humble shepherds. At the Resurrection too angels appear to reinforce the message. These are images, often captured in art, which symbolise the constant action of God in our lives. He is for ever ‘giving us good news’ and encouraging us if we have eyes to see. On the other hand there are also evil spirits trying to do the exact opposite: to discourage, induce sadness, weariness, boredom and lead us to give up our faith and follow other paths. There is a passage in Revelations (12:7-12) which speaks of the great battle in heaven between Michael and Satan. The battle continues – a luta continua - in our own hearts and in the world.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, help us to be aware of the how your good spirit leads and encourages us and how the evil spirit is for ever harassing us. May we follow the one and resist the other. Amen..  

David Harold-Barry SJ