OCTOBER 2 is liturgically celebrated as the Memorial of our Guardian Angels, reminding us of this tremendous reality that we have these powerful spiritual beings who are assigned to each one of us to help us in our earthly life and, most importantly, to connect us with God.
The gospel reading of this memorial somehow tells us of the crucial role these guardian angels play in our life. (cfr. Mt 18,1-5,10) In it, we are made to understand that there is a connection between being child-like and being great in heaven, and why the angels are important in our life.
When the disciples asked Christ about who is the greatest in heaven, Christ placed a child in their midst and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.” And he further said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
A little later, he again said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
These words are worth considering very seriously because in them Christ somehow tells us the important role angels play in our effort to becoe child-like even as we grow in age and experience.
Let’s remember that angels are spiritual beings who upon their creation have made the eternal decision to be with God. There are also spiritual beings who upon their creation have made the opposite decision whose effect remains with them forever. These are the devils.
That the angels of children “always look upon the face of my heavenly Father,” as Christ said, can mean that these children who still are not in the age of reason, are always connected and guided by God. They are yet incapable of separating themselves from God.
In our case, since we already have our own mind and have accumulated a lot of knowledge and experience, we should try our best to be humble so as to be like children, always guided by the angels who are always on the side of God.
In other words, to be child-like is to be guided always by our guardian angels who will always connect us with God. There is a connection between being child-like and being with God through our guardian angels. We should not downplay the role of angels in our life, taking them for granted or, worse, considering them as unreal or just fictional literary devices, etc.
This is a truth of our Christian faith that we should always remember and act on. We definitely have to train ourselves how to be child-like and how to connect with our guardian angels all the time. Christ told his disciples that they had to humble themselves to become child-like, for the obvious reason that they—and us—are notorious for regarding ourselves as mature and totally independent, with hardly any need for God.
It would be helpful that everyday, we have the habit of consciously entering into a close engagement with our guardian angels. We should not dare to face our day simply relying on our own human powers. Each of us is assigned a guardian angel to connect us with God, and vice-versa, for God to enter into our lives, since these spiritual beings are God’s messengers to us.
Neglect it not
It is an essential activity that should never be disregarded, regardless of the level of education one has attained. It serves as a continuous source of expansion for our intellectual horizons and offers countless benefits that enrich our lives. Whether one is an undergraduate student, a working professional, or a graduate school student, neglecting it can have detrimental effects on knowledge acquisition, analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall intellect. It is then imperative to understand and appreciate the significance of reading at any stage of life.
At higher levels, reading is even more crucial. This is because they demand a higher level of critical thinking and analysis compared to lower levels. Engaging with scholarly articles, books, and research papers broadens one’s understanding of complex concepts, theories, and methodologies. Through By reading, one can delve into the minds of experts in their field, gaining insights and perspectives that would otherwise be inaccessible. This, in turn, enhances one’s ability to discern strengths and weaknesses in existing literature, develop well-rounded arguments, and contribute meaningfully to academic discourse.
Reading aids in the development of strong analytical skills, which are indispensable in the realm of education. By reading extensively and intensively, students learn to dissect written material, identifying key components, main arguments, and supporting evidence. This skill becomes especially valuable when conducting thorough literature reviews for research projects or when critically evaluating the work of others. Precise and meticulous reading allows students to engage with complex subject matter, recognize nuances, and develop substantial arguments. As a result, their ability to comprehend and articulate complex ideas improves significantly.
Furthermore, reading facilitates the cultivation of critical thinking abilities, which are vital for success at higher educational levels. Reading stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages individuals to question assumptions, challenge existing beliefs, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. It fosters an environment where students can develop independent thought and engage in constructive debates. By actively reading, students can dismantle arguments, evaluate evidence, and form their own informed opinions. This intellectual agility ultimately leads to improved academic performance and an enhanced capacity for creative problem-solving.
Reading, of course, is not confined solely to academic literature. Engaging with a diverse range of literary genres, including fiction and non-fiction, introduces one to different writing styles, cultures, and perspectives. Exploring literature from various periods, countries, and genres provides an enriching cultural experience, broadens horizons, and nurtures empathy. By reading classic novels, poetry, or autobiographies, one can relate to the narratives of others, gain a deeper understanding of humanity, and develop well-rounded perspectives. This exposure to a variety of ideas and narratives strengthens one’s ability to form connections, think critically, and express oneself effectively.
Neglecting reading, on the other hand, can lead to an intellectual stagnation that hinders professional growth. The ever-evolving nature of academia demands a constant influx of knowledge and research in order to remain at the forefront of one’s field. Reading is not only essential during one’s studies but also throughout one’s professional career. By continuously reading, people not only keep up with the latest developments in their field but also expand their knowledge and remain intellectually engaged beyond the confines of their immediate educational focus.
Regardless of the level of education one has attained, reading plays a vital role in intellectual growth and development. Even at higher levels, reading continues to contribute significantly to knowledge acquisition, analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall intellect. It is crucial to acknowledge and value the immense benefits of reading at every stage of academic and professional life.