Angels among us:
Sharing kindness and generosity

		Living the Scriptures  with St. Paul University  Catholic Center  Sylvia Thomley

In the gospel this week, Mary is visited by an angel. This enormous act of the annunciation changes the course of her life and of all salvation history.

Though Mary was troubled and even questioned what the angel Gabriel announces, she accepts the message with great praise and thanksgiving.

What an honor it is to be visited by an angel. I have been reflecting lately on the presence of guardian angels in my life.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec. 18, 2005) 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Rom 16:25-27 Lk 1:26-38

Knowing there is a presence, a power, which works on my behalf is encouraging to me. I am often awed and certain it is angels at work when I come into contact with someone or some thing that enriches my life and faith. I also know I can count on angels to be there for others.

I often pray to the Lord to send angels to those who need them to change their lives. When I ask for the assistance of angels, I feel assured that some action is occurring. This is true even in the mundane action of getting a better parking spot or having an elevator make its way to me more quickly.

Encounters with angels exist throughout the Bible. In the stories of Abraham, Isaac, the prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, or Zechariah), Peter, Paul, and others, the existence of angels as messengers and guardians is clear.

Jesus himself refers to their works. Angels are used by the Lord to work for him and for our benefit. They may come in the form of heavenly beings or human messengers.

Angels are icons of love, hope, presence, and light in our culture. Many people collect angel statues, ornaments, or other items. There is even an Angel Museum in Beloit filled with their images.

A few years ago, while visiting that museum, I noticed that one of the most common depictions of an angel is in the stance of holding an instrument or a songbook, with a mouth open wide in praise to God. Whether it is a picture, ornament, or statue, this portrayal is a reminder to me to always lift my heart in praise to our Lord like the angels.

	Reflection questions • When have I encountered an act of an angel? How did I respond? Did it change the course of my life? How can I pray for angels to be sent to change the course of another's life? • How am I called to be an angel, to be a messenger or guardian bringing kindness and generosity to others?

This time of year, I also feel a strong call to assist in the work of the angels. During the Christmas season, there are countless stories of great acts of kindness and generosity that demonstrate the work angels have completed on earth and of the lives they have changed. This is a time to worship, give, share stories, and share meals with family and friends.

Using Mary's example, I need to respond with great praise and thanksgiving. Knowing the importance the work entails, I also need to be open to my call to act in an angelic fashion and to be a messenger or guardian, sharing my kindness and generosity with those in need. After all, "I believe there are angels among us . . ."

Sylvia Thomley, a member of the graduate/young professionals group and a volunteer at St. Paul University Catholic Center, is a member and Bible study leader at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison. She is a pharmacist in Madison.

St. Paul's Web site is www.stpaulscc.org

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