Who is the king of glory?; Angels: Day 202

St. Ambrose imagines the twenty-fourth psalm as the dialog of the angels when Christ rose from the dead. He points out that even angels, though they possess great knowledge, can advance step by step just as we do.

When the angels saw the Lord of all approaching, the first and only Van- quisher of death, they told their leaders to lift up the gates, saying in adoration, “Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in” (Ps. 24:7).

Yet there were still, even among the hosts of Heaven, some that were amazed, overcome with astonishment at such pomp and glory as they had never yet seen. So they asked, “Who is the King of glory?” (Ps. 24:8). But since the angels, like us, acquire their knowledge step by step, and are capable of advancement, they certainly must show differences of power and understanding. For God alone is above and beyond the limits imposed by gradual advance, since he possesses every perfection from everlasting.

Then others—namely those who had been present at his Resurrection, those who had seen or who already recognized him—answered, “The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” (Ps. 24:8).

Then, again, sang the multitude of angels, in triumphal chorus, “Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in” (Ps. 24:9). –St. Ambrose, Exposition of the Christian Faith, 4.1

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Even the angels can grow in wisdom and understanding. Do I try as hard as I should to keep growing in understanding of Christ’s truth?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, guide me and teach me, so that I may grow daily in understanding, even as our angels do in Heaven.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.