Guided into eternity; Angels: Day 325

Scripture tells us that we have guides to take our souls when we die, says St. John Chrysostom. Whatever our eternal destination, the heavenly beings come with us to make sure we get there.

It’s quite certain that souls when they leave the body do not still linger here, but are led away immediately. Here’s how we know: “The poor man died and was carried by the angels” (Luke 16:22).

Not only the souls of the just, but also those of sinners are led away. This also is clear from the case of another rich man. For when his land brought forth abundantly, he said within himself, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones” (Luke 12:18). Yes, he really did pull down his barns—for secure storehouses are not built with walls of stone; they are “the mouths of the poor.” But this man forgot about these: he was busy with his stone walls.

But what did God say to him? “Fool! This night your soul is required of you.” And look closely: in one passage it is said that the soul is carried away by angels; in the other, that “it is required”—and in the latter case they lead it away as a prisoner; in the former, they guard and conduct it as a crowned victor.

When a fighter in the arena has received many wounds and is drenched with blood, with his head encircled with a crown, those who stand ready by the spot take him up, and with great applause and praise they carry him home amid shouting and admiration. In the same way the angels on that occasion led Lazarus away. But in the other instance dreadful powers, probably sent for that purpose, required the soul. The soul doesn’t depart this life of its own free will; in fact, it can’t. If we need guides when we travel from one city to another; much more does the soul need those who can conduct it, when it is separated from the flesh, and is entering upon the future state of existence. –St. John Chrysostom Four Discourses, Chiefly on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus,  Discourse 2, chapter 2

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Will I be carried home by the angels amid shouting and admiration?

CLOSING PRAYER

Sanctify my soul, Lord, so that I may at last be carried home by your holy angels to dwell forever among the blessed  and the just.

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