Angels want us to worship God, not them; Angels: Day 143

Angels want us to worship God, not them; Angels: Day 143 December 11, 2016

angels_augustine_2The Name of God is wonderful and powerful, says St. John Chrysostom. It’s the only name a Christian can invoke. It’s fine to ask the angels for help, but if we pray to them as if they were gods, they’ll throw our prayers away, because all they want is the honor of God.

There is nothing equal to this Name. Everywhere it is wonderful. “Your name is oil poured out,” it says (Song 1:3). Whoever speaks it is filled with per- fume immediately. “No one,” it is said, “can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3). That is how great this name is.

If you say, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” you’ve said everything. Look what great things you’ve done! You’ve created a man, and done everything else that goes with baptism!

The Name is just as formidable in commanding diseases. That’s why the devil introduced the custom of using the names of angels, because he envied us the honor. Incantations with angels’ names are for the demons! Even if it’s the name of an angel, or an archangel, or one of the Cherubim, do not allow it. Those powers will not accept it if you call on them that way. They will throw away your prayers when they see their Master dishonored. –St. John Chrysostom, Homily 9 on Colossians

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How do I honor the Name of God? Do I treat God’s name as something holy every day?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, you are far above every Principality, and Power, and Might, and Dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but in the world that is to come.

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