God acts in the angels; Angels: Day 222

Whether God acts directly or through the angels, says St. Augustine, it is God acting. An angel does God’s will; and even though we cannot see God directly, we can see God acting in any created being that does God’s will.

The fathers of the New Testament saw your mysteries revealed, and they preached the secret things revealed to them. Nevertheless, they said that they themselves saw only through a glass, darkly, but that seeing face to face is reserved to a future time, when what the Apostle himself speaks of has come (1 Cor. 13:12). “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:4)

Seeing face to face is reserved for that time, of which John also speaks: “Be- loved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

So although then our ancestors did not see you as you are, face to face—although that vision is reserved until the resurrection—yet, even though they were angels who presented themselves, it is you who “ordain victories for Jacob” (Ps. 44:4). You are not only present by your own Self; but when you appear in any created beings, you are the one who commands by them. Whether you do it yourself for your servants’ salvation, or whether they do it because you command it, it is your doing. –St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 44, 4

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I respect God’s wisdom as he uses the things of creation to mediate himself to me? Do I accept the proper place he has given the angels in my life?

CLOSING PRAYER

In whatever I do, Lord, make me an instrument of your will, so that others can recognize the ministry of your angels in my life.

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