Some human beings are called “gods” even in the Bible, says St. Augustine – although of course only metaphorically. But Scripture never calls angels gods even metaphorically, so that we will understand that angels desire that we should not worship them, but the God whom they and we serve.
So that no one may think that there is no living and intelligent nature that delights in the pagan sacrifices, the Apostle adds, “what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons” (1 Cor. 10:20).
So if we never find in the divine words that the holy angels are called “gods,” I think the best reason is so that humans may not be persuaded by the name to offer that ministry and service of religion to the holy angels that the angels would not wish humans to pay at all to anyone but God, who is God of both angels and human beings.
Thus they are much more correctly called angels, which in our language is messengers, so that, by the name of their function, not their substance, we may clearly understand that they want us to worship the God whom they announce. – St. Augustine, Exposition on Ps. 136, 3
IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Are there some strong desires or interests in my life that would tend to make me a partner with demons?
CLOSING PRAYER
Remember me when I am backsliding, Lord, and send in your divine mercy, your angels to help me.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.