Angels are spiritual, but still limited, Angels: Day 025

Angels are spiritual, but still limited, Angels: Day 025 August 15, 2016

angels_john_of_damascus_1Angels are spiritual, but still limited

An angel, says St. John of Damascus, is not limited by a physical body the way we are. But angels are still limited; they exist, mentally, in a particular place and at a particular time. Only God is everywhere at all times.

The angel, although not contained in place with a particular shape, as a body is, is still said to be in a place because he has a mental presence and energizes in accordance with his nature; when he energizes somewhere, he is not somewhere else, but has his mental limitations there. For it is impossible to energize at the same time in different places.

God alone can energize everywhere at the same time. The angel energizes in different places by the quickness of his nature and the promptness and speed with which he can change his place: but the Deity, who is everywhere and above all, energizes at the same time in different ways with one simple energy.

But the angel is circumscribed alike in time (for his being had a beginning) and in place (but mental space, as we said above) and in understanding. For they know somehow the nature of each other and have their bounds perfectly defined by the Creator. Bodies, in short, are circumscribed both in beginning and end, and bodily place and apprehension. –St. John of Damascus, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, 1.13

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Like the angels, I have limitations imposed by my nature, which was given to me by God. Do I strive for clear self-knowledge, like that of the angels, so that I may serve God as he made me to serve him?

CLOSING PRAYER

Glorious angels, you see me as I am. Help me to see myself  as clearly, so that I may serve God perfectly.

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