One often employs the word "angels" to designate all the heavenly spirits. In Hebrew 'malâkim' or in Greek 'aggeloï', means 'messengers''. The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. Angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendour of their glory bears witness.
Seraphim (majestic beings with six wings) appear in Isaiah (6,2,6); they are the Spirits closest to God. Cherubim, often mentioned in the Bible, are placed at the east of the Eden (Genesis 3, 24). They support or form the throne of God (Psalm 80,2). Descriptions of Ezekiel (1,4-28; 10,3-22) are often represented. Paul or Peter mention other categories of celestial Spirits: Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers (Col 1,16 ; Ep 1,21 ;1 P 3, 22).
In Holy Bible, we find the names of three angels: Michael (archangel), Gabriel and Raphael. Gabriel announces the birth of Messiah (Jesus); Michael is named in the book of Daniel, in the book of Revelation and in the letter of Jude. Raphael appears in the book of Tobias.
It is question of the Destroying angel in the narrative of the first Passover, when the Jews run away from Egypt under the driving of Moses (Ex 12,1-14). Jews are saved by the blood of the lamb which they put on the two doorposts and the lintel of their houses. It is the figure of the blood of Jesus on the cross which saves the men and the women from the wrath of God (Rm 5, 9).
Christ is the centre of the angelic world. They are his angels. They belong to him because they were created through and for him. They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan. Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan: they closed the earthly paradise; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples. Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus himself.
Jesus often speaks about Angels. He says for example :"And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God" (Luke 12, 8) or "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 who is in heaven (Mt 18,10).
Prayer at the guardian dear
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.
Celestial Spirits
