|
"EDUCATING
CHILDREN ON ANGELS"
“See that
you despise not one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels
in heaven see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 18:10)
Children
are precious gifts for which we must one day give a strict account whether
as parents, teachers or guardians. Destined for a place in heaven, each
child has an angel assigned by God to be with Him from birth to death. The
angel’s role is to guide and protect, to lead in the path of virtue, to
shield from all evil and, if possible, to bring the child back to God pure
and spotless.
While in
the mother's womb the child is protected by the mother's guardian angel.
Only after birth does the child get his assigned guardian angel from God.
The angel, commanded by God to care for the child, has a greater passion
for the child's welfare than the parents.
Imagine
the rage of this angel towards anyone who leads his charge to sin and
perdition. He would certainly in justice call down God's vengeance on those
vile creatures, demanding soul for soul. Imagine these corruptors of youth
before the dreadful judgment seat of God being accused by their own sins
and by the guardian angels of those they have led to sin.
How dare
you teach this child evil before his guardian angel when you would not do
this before his parents. In his wrath, an angel can make thunders roll and
lightning flash, cause earthquakes, and whirlwinds. He has the power to
preserve and destroy. So anger him not by scandalizing his charge.
Remember
he slew every first-born in Egypt whether of man or beast, but guided the
Israelites through the desert. He threw fiery darts at Pharaoh and his
army, preventing them from approaching the Israelites. Helping Ezechias, an
angel slew 185,000 of Sennacherib's army. And he is your child's protector
and life-long companion.
So,
parents, tell your child about the grandeur of his guardian angel. Impress
on him the real but invincible presence of his faithful friend and that,
therefore, his every action is done in his sight. Tell him his angel
exhorts him to do good and restrains him from evil.
Children
under three can understand all this and must learn this early in life.
If you
parents help preserve the innocence and purity of your children amidst this
corrupt world, when you leave this world your children's guardian angels,
with all their passion, will speak well of you before the judgment seat of
God.
By nature
angels are superior to men. But by grace man can be superior to angels as
in the case of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Angels.
There
were bad angels who became devils because of pride. And there were good
angels who, because of their humility and obedience, were confirmed in
grace. The bad angels in their pride said: “I will be like the most High.”
St. Michael, in his zeal for God, cried: “Who is like unto God?” and
attacked the proud angels, casting them out of heaven down to earth to wait
for and test men. After which they will be cast into hell, a place of
darkness where everlasting horror dwells.
Parents,
narrate to your children what angels did in the past for men and which they
can do today… and even more, review the entire story from Scriptures and
the lives of the saints.
OLD Testament Stories
- Alone with her child in the desert and at
the point of dying, Agar was comforted by an angel.
- Jacob prayed to the angels to bless his
grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasses.
- Lot was saved from the destruction of
Sodom by angels.
- The three young men who were thrown into
the flames for refusing to stop praying to the true God were shielded
from the flames by angels.
- Daniel, thrown into a lion’s den, remained
unharmed with the assistance of an angel.
- God allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem because of
the prayers of Zacharias presented to God by angels. The angel Raphael
assured Tobias, "When thou didst pray with tears, I offer thy prayers
to God."
Let us see
in detail how an angel helped Tobias.
The angel
a. delivered Tobias from death,
b. saved him from the monster fish,
c. helped him recover a debt,
d. helped him obtain a good wife who made him very happy,
e. taught him how to overcome the devil,
f. helped him return to his home,
g. restored the sight of his father.
- Elias, exhausted from fleeing from Jezebel, was comforted and
fed by an angel with bread that sustained him for 40 days and 40
nights.
- Heliodorus, on a mission to get the
treasures of the temple, was attacked be by an angel on horseback
leaving him half-dead. . . and converted.
Angelic Interventions in the New
Testament.
- An angel announced the conception of Christ.
- Angels led the shepherds to the manager.
- An angel warned Joseph to flee and an angel informed Joseph
that the danger was over.
- An angel ministered to Christ in the desert.
- An angel assisted Christ in the agony at the garden.
- An angel announced the resurrection to the women.
- Angels appeared during the ascension of Christ.
- Peter was released from his chains by an angel. And Paul was
released from prison by an earthquake caused by an angel
- An angel appeared to John and showed him
the future of the Church. An angel also showed John how angels offer
the prayers of the saints to God.
While saints pray for everyone, our
guardian angel prays for us first and foremost. He is always there
whispering good thoughts, shielding us from the temptations of the devil,
enlightening us in our doubts, helping us in all our needs. St. Bernard
exclaimed: “God is not content with having sent us His Son and His Holy
Spirit but He also gives us His own mother and sends us angels to serve
us.”
Angels and the Martyrs.
- St. Theodosius, burned for the faith, had
an angel refreshing his burning wounds thus lessening the pain.
- St. Agnes was brought to a bad house to be
tainted; an angel blinded a wicked man with evil desires for her.
- When St. Dorothy was condemned to death for her faith, a man
Theophilus scorned her saying: “Send me some fruits and flowers from
your heaven.” When she died, an angel brought fruits and flowers to
Theophilus; he was converted and died a martyr.
- St. Cecilia made a vow of chastity and had
an angel to protect that vow. The vision of the same angel converted
her pagan husband Valerian and his brother. All three died as martyrs.
- St. Eulalia, a twelve-year-old girl was
condemned to a brutal torture. Three angels comforted her, taught her
how to answer the judge and strengthened her to suffer and die for
Christ. She was burned alive and her soul was borne by angels to
heaven.
Our guardian angels
are so powerful, one can defeat a whole army or overturn a citadel. And he
is your ally, and yours alone. Talk to your children's guardian angels and
ask favors for your children. And pray to the guardian angels of your loved
ones to take care of them.
Angels
and other Saints.
- St. Onurphrius, on his way to the desert to be a hermit, was
guided by an angel to his cave, and the angel often gave him
Communion.
- St. Susanna was defended by an angel
against those who would violate her virtue.
- St. Quinteria was advised by her angel on what to do.
- St. Bridget enjoyed hearing her angel sing
to God.
- St. Raymond of Pennafort was daily
awakened by his angel.
- St. Frances of Rome often conversed with
her guardian angel.
- An angel did St. Isidore's work in the fields to allow him to
hear mass.
Our guardian angel
as the angel of repentance, not only discloses our sins, but he plays a
part in their remission. This angel stirs us up from stagnation to provoke
in us a greater commitment to living an authentic Christian life.
- St. Balbina and St. Constance were cared for by their angels
during their illness.
- St. Stanislaus Kostka, having mistakenly entered a heretical
church, was given Holy Communion by an angel.
- St. Fermo and St. Rusticus, condemned to
die of hunger for not renouncing the true faith, were fed by angels.
- St. Martial had twelve angels assisting
him in his work.
- Fr. Loret, S.J. narrates how an angel
loosened a shirt of a baby that a nurse tied too tight around the
chest and neck.
Parents,
speak to your child about his (her) guardian angel and what he can do for
him (her). For in this evil and corrupt world, he (she) will need such a
companion and friend.
ON DISCIPLINE
(Scriptural Texts)
From heaven, He made you hear His voice to discipline you. (Deut 4:36)
Blessed is the man whom God corrects: so do not despise the discipline of
the Almighty. (Job. 5:17)
O Lord, do not…discipline me in your wrath. (Psalm 6:1)
They were stiff-necked and would not listen or respond to discipline. (Jer.
17:23)
God gave us. . . a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Tim
1:7)
Do not make light of the Lord's discipline; for the Lord disciplines those
he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. (Heb 12:6)
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is
not disciplined by his father. (Heb 12:7)
If you are not disciplined, then you are illegitimate children and not true
sons. (Heb 12:8)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however,
it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been
trained in it. (Heb 12:11)
COMMITMENT OF A CHILD TO HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL
PRAYER
to
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Queen of Angels
HOLY MARY, Queen of Angels
YOU who from the beginning
had received the power to crush
the head of Satan,
We humbly beseech you
to send your holy angels
to surround us and protect us
from the bold attacks of the devil, Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel,
Defend us against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
And do thou, O prince of the Heavenly Hosts,
By the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and the other evil spirits
Who prowl about the world
for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Prayer to Our Guardian Angel
O Guardian Angel, defend us in the day of
battle
be our safeguard against the wickedness
and snares of the devil. Amen
COMMITMENT
of a CHILD
TO HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL
O ANGEL of this happy child,
Vouchsafe to guard, cherish, protect, visit
and defend ____________________ always,
Preserve the innocence of this child
who is still without spot.
Care for him (her) always
whom you have protected from his (her) cradle
but most specially at the hour of his (her) death
O GUARDIAN ANGEL of this happy child,
Never allow this child
to fall under the tyranny of the evil one.
Guide him (her) on the course
of his (her) earthly pilgrimage
Help him (her) in his (her) needs,
Console him (her) in his (her) distresses,
Illumine him (her) in his (her) dark moments,
Protect him (her) from dangers,
Inspire him (her) with good thoughts
YOU, intercessor before God,
shield against the enemy,
faithful companion,
true friend
prudent counselor
model of obedience,
mirror of humility and purity,
YOU, Guardian Angel of this happy child.
SCRIPTURAL
READINGS
“See that you despise not one of
these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always see
the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Mt.18:10)
“Suffer little children to come to Me, and forbid them not, for of such is
the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 19:14)
“He that shall receive one such child in My Name receives Me. But he that
shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in Me, it were
better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that
he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt. 18:5-6)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O Lord, send to my side the angel of light
To guide me to the place of rest.
Let your holy angels keep close to my soul and body
until they separate from each other without pain.
Do not permit that the angel who was attached to me
since the day you formed me up to now
Should turn against me his countenance,
smoldering with anger as we die.
Do not allow my soul to be stopped
by keepers of the gate
And do not put me to shame before your
judgment seat.
Amen.
CONSECRATION OF A CHILD
TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Priest:
Let us turn to
Holy Mary, Our Mother,
and place ______N._______ under her protection
HOLY MARY, Mother of God and our mother,
we dedicate this child to your loving care
Today we
choose you for his (her) mother,
guide and friend.
May he (she)
always live devoted to you
and desire, say and do only
what is pleasing to you and your Divine Son.
O most tender
and loving Mother,
we beg you through the infinite merits
of Jesus, your Divine Son,
to regard him (her) at all times
Among the children especially dear to you.
and obtain for him (her)
the grace of a holy life,
a life of goodness, purity and love,
offered to God in thanksgiving and praise.
Be present
with him (her) at all times,
O Blessed Virgin Mary,
and especially at the hour of his (her) death.
Then, O Holy
Mary, pray for him (her)
and protect him (her)
from the enemy of his (her) soul.
Guide him (her) safely into the presence
of our Holy Redeemer,
to be happy forever in the company
of all the angels and saints in heaven.
Amen.
PRAYER
TO
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE,
Mystical Rose,
Intercede for the Church,
Protect the Holy Father,
Help all who invoke you in their necessities,
Since you are the ever Virgin Mary
And Mother of the True God.
Obtain for us from your most Holy Son
The grace of a firm faith and a sure hope
Amidst the bitterness of life,
As well as an ardent love
And the precious gift of final perseverance.
O Holy Mary of Guadalupe, who appeared
to Juan Diego near Mexico in 1531
And left the most beautiful picture
of yourself on his tilma,
I bring this child before you.
I ask you to give him (her) all your love,
Your compassion and your help,
Put him (her) under the mantle
of your protection.
O Holy Mary of Guadalupe;
Great lover of all people,
You who have been proclaimed
Heavenly Patroness of the Philippines
Hear our weeping,
Bring comfort to our sorrows,
Our needs and our miseries.
He (she) is just a child;
But, Merciful Mother,
Give him (her) a big heart
With which to love you, to love your Son, Jesus
and to love everyone.
AMEN.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF
GUADALUPE
Most Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Mother and Queen of our country, humbly we
prostrate before your prestigious image. To you we entrust our hope. You
are our life and consolation. Under the shadow of your protection and
maternal care, nothing can make us fear. Help us in our earthly pilgrimage
and intercede for us before your Divine Son at the moment of our death,
that we may enjoy eternal salvation of our soul. Amen
PRAYER TO OUR
MOTHER
HOLY MARY OF GUADALUPE
Remember, oh most merciful Virgin of Guadalupe, that in thy celestial
apparitions on the hill of Tepeyac, thou didst promise to show thy love,
compassion, help and protection to all those who lovingly turn to thee in
their necessities and afflictions and thou also promised us to hear and
help us in our miseries, worries and sufferings.
Inspired by this
confidence, we prostrate before thy august presence, certain that thou wilt
deign to fulfill thy merciful promises, confident that under thy maternal
protection nothing will trouble nor afflict us. Protect us always, thou who
are our mother, our health and thou who gave us your miraculous image.
Oh Mary, true
Mother of God, despise not our supplications and in thy mercy kindly hear
and answer us. Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Oh most chaste Virgin of Guadalupe, obtain
for me from your Divine Son pardon for my sins; blessing for my work; help
in my infirmities and necessities and in all that you believe convenient to
ask for me and for my family.
Oh Holy Mother of
God! Do not despise the supplications that we beg of you in our necessities
and free us from all dangers
Oh! Virgin full of
glory and blessing.
Through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
(updated 01-03-02)
|
