The saints judge with the angels; Angels: Day 346

The saints, says St. Augustine, will judge with Christ and the angels—and in fact will be as good as angels. “Heaven” is the word we use for all the people from around the world who have been made perfect in Christ.

Many will judge with the Lord, but others will be judged—not all equally, however, but according to their deserts. He will come with all his angels, and all the nations will be gathered before him. And among the angels will be numbered those who have been made so perfect that, sitting on twelve thrones, they judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28).

For mortals can be called “angels”: you “received me as an angel of God,” the Apostle says of himself (Gal. 4:14). It is said of John the Baptist, “Behold, I send my angel before your face, who shall prepare your way before you” (Matt. 11:10; see Mal. 3:1).

So when he comes with angels, he will have the saints with him as well. Isaiah also says plainly that “The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people” (Isa. 3:14).

All those elders of the people, who have just been called “angels,” those thousands of thousands of perfected people who come from around the world, are called “Heaven.” –St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 50, 11

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How can I be like an angel, a messenger of God, in the lives of friends, coworkers, and family members?

CLOSING PRAYER

Angel of God, my guardian, teach me to be a faithful messenger as you are.

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