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The angels are sometimes ministers of God’s just chastisement. But they don’t like it, St. Ambrose tells us. Remember, he says, that the angels in Heaven rejoice over the salvation of even one sinner.
And shouldn’t we believe that the angels themselves, who in the toils of this world fulfill various ministries, as we read in the Revelation of St. John, also groan when they’re made the ministers of vengeance and destruction? Since their life is blessed, wouldn’t they rather spend it in their original state of tranquility than be interrupted by the infliction of vengeance on our sins? If they rejoice in the salvation of one sinner, surely they must groan over the miseries of such grievous sins.
So if the creatures and powers of Heaven suffer the bondage of corruption, but still in hope that hereafter they may rejoice on our behalf and together with us, let us also alleviate the sufferings of this present time by the hope and expectation of future glory. –St. Ambrose, Letter 34, 10-11
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
When I hear of someone receiving a just punishment, is my first reaction “serves him right”? Or do I remember, like the angels, to pray for his salvation?
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, I pray that you will not send chastisements too heavy for my strength, but send your angels to preserve me from all temptations of the enemy.
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