Martyrs like a legion of angels; Angels: Day 212

Last updated on: February 20, 2017 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Martyrs like a legion of angels; Angels: Day 212 2017-02-09T20:36:49-05:00 Pete Socks

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In a very dangerous time for orthodox Christians and the whole Roman Empire, St. Ambrose reminds us that we always have helpers to protect us. Just as Elisha could count on a legion of angels, we have the legions of the martyrs on our side.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus, that at this time, when your Church re- quires greater guardianship, you have raised up for us the spirits of the holy martyrs.

Let all be well aware what kind of champions I want: the kind who act as protectors, not assailants. These are the ones I have obtained for you, holy people—a benefit to all, and a hurt to none. These are the defenders I want; these are my soldiers—not the world’s soldiers, but Christ’s. Let them come, then, and see my bodyguard: I don’t deny that I am surrounded by such weapons as these. “Some boast of chariots, and some of horses; but we boast of the name of the Lord our God” (Ps. 20:7).

The lesson from Holy Scripture relates how Elisha, when surrounded by the army of the Syrians, told his trembling servant not to fear, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). And in order to convince Gehazi of this, he prayed that his eyes might be opened, and when this was done he saw a countless host of angels present with the prophet.

And we’re conscious of their presence, though we don’t see them. Our eyes were kept closed, as long as the bodies of the saints lay hid in their graves. Now God has opened our eyes, and we have seen the aids which had so often helped us. Before, we didn’t see them, although we did have them.

And so, as though the Lord said to our trembling hearts, “See what great martyrs I have given you,” just so, “We all, with unveiled face,” are “beholding the glory of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). As far as the suffering of the martyrs is con- cerned, it’s past; as far as their working for us goes, it’s present. –St. Ambrose, Letter 22, 10-11

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I strive to imitate the holy martyrs? And, in the spirit of Ambrose, do I pray for angelic protection even for my enemies?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, I join my prayers with the prayers of the holy angels and all the saints for every soul in tribulation and distress.

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