Acknowledge Christ; the angels will praise you; Angels: Day 342

At the end of time, says St. Cyril of Alexandria, Christ will come in glory, and the saints and martyrs will receive their reward: the acknowledgment  of Christ, and the praise of the angels.

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And every one who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” (Luke 12:8-10).

So whoever confesses Christ before men, as God and Lord, will be acknowledged by him before the angels of God.

But where and how? Clearly at that time when he descends from Heaven in the glory of his Father with the holy angels at the end of this world. Then he will crown his true confessor, who possessed an unwavering and genuine faith, and professed it that way. There also the company of the holy martyrs will shine, who endured the conflict even to the point of life and blood, and honored Christ by their patient endurance—for they did not deny the Savior, nor was his glory unknown to them, but they kept their faith to him. These martyrs will be praised by the holy angels; and will themselves glorify Christ the Savior of all, for giving the saints those honors that belong to them particularly.

And so the Psalmist also tells us, “The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge” (Ps. 50:6).

This is what will happen to those who confess Christ. –St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Sermon 88

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How do I confess Christ before the people around me? Am I showing them by what I do that I belong to him? Do my words and deeds earn the praise of the holy angels?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, your angels are my witnesses: I acknowledge your blessed Resurrection from the dead, your Ascension into Heaven, and your seat at the right hand of the Father, and

I await your Second Coming, in which you will righteously judge the living and the dead, and render to each of us according to our works.

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.