Angels suggest, but we choose; Angels: Days 160

Quoting two very early Christian writers, Origen tells us that an evil angel might suggest an evil thought, and a good angel a good thought. But in either case we have free will: we can choose to do evil or good.

That certain thoughts are suggested to our hearts either by good or evil angels, is shown both by the angel that accompanied Tobias (in the book of Tobit), and by the language of the prophet, where he says, “The angel who talked with me said” (Zech. 1:9).

The book of the Shepherd declares the same, saying that each individual is attended by two angels; that whenever good thoughts arise in our hearts, they are suggested by the good angel; but when the other kind arise, they are instigated by the evil angel.

The same is declared by Barnabas in his epistle, where he says there are two ways, one of light and one of darkness, over which he asserts that certain angels are placed—the angels of God over the way of light, the angels of Satan over the way of darkness.

But we should not think that any other result follows from what is suggested to our heart, whether good or bad, except a stirring and an incitement instigating us either to good or evil. For it is quite within our reach, when an evil power has begun to incite us to evil, to cast the wicked suggestions away from us, and to resist the vile inducements, and to do nothing that is at all deserving of blame. And, on the other hand, it is possible, when a divine power calls us to better things, not to obey the call. In either case, our own free will remains. –Origen, De Principiis, 3.2.4

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I know that “the devil made me do it” is an unacceptable excuse? Do I listen for the voice of the good angels?

CLOSING PRAYER

My Guardian Angel, whenever I stray, stir up a desire of repentance in me, and intercede with God for my pardon.

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