Angels Among Us 

   Angels are the messengers of God, and they appear throughout scripture.  Though many seem to ignore them, they exist.  In fact, there are nine choirs, or types, of angels:  Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Archangels, Principalities and Angels.

   Probably the most well known are the Archangels.  We know the names of only three Archangels.  Michael, whose name means “who is like God”; Gabriel, whose name means “messenger of God”; and Raphael, whose names means “God heals".

   It was Michael who battled with Lucifer when he rebelled against God.  A battle that resulted in Satan and his followers being expelled from heaven.  (Rev 12: 7 -8).

   Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce that she was to become the mother of Christ, the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit.  (Luke 1: 26 – 38).  Gabriel had also appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1: 12 – 14).

   Raphael is the one who accompanied Tobit to find his wife and gave Tobit the ointment to cure his father’s blindness.  (Tobit 3: 17)

   Angels are another mystery that we can’t fully grasp in this life, but faith and scripture assures us that they are with us.  Over the years there have been many documented accounts of events that could only have occurred with the assistance of the angels. 

   God blesses us in many ways, and one of those ways is our guardian angel.  Take some time in your prayers to thank your guardian angel and to ask for guidance and help for each day's challenges.  It would be foolish to not call upon one God has given us to help us through this earthly life.