Only the virtuous earn angel guides; Angels: Day 216

Last updated on: February 24, 2017 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Only the virtuous earn angel guides; Angels: Day 216 2017-02-21T22:34:40-05:00 Pete Socks

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Lazarus, the poor man in Jesus’ parable (Luke 16:19-31) never cursed his evil fate or blamed God for the unfairness of life. How do we know? Because, says St. John Chrysostom, at the end of his life he earned an honor guard of angels.

But the poor man who was left at his gate didn’t grieve, or blaspheme, or complain. He didn’t say to himself, as many do, “Why is this happening to me? This man living in wickedness and cruelty and inhumanity enjoys far more than he needs, and endures no trouble nor any of the unexpected reverses that often happen in human affairs. He enjoys unmixed pleasure, while I don’t even have a chance to get the food I need. To this man, who squanders all his substance on parasites and flatterers and wine—to him all good things flow like a river; while I live as an object to be stared at—an object of shame and derision. I’m starving to death. Is this Providence? Does Justice really rule human affairs?”

He didn’t say any of these things, nor did he have them in his mind. How do we know that? From the fact that guardian angels surrounded him at his death, and bore him away to Abraham’s bosom. If he had been a blasphemer, he wouldn’t have gained this glory.

So most people wonder at this man merely because of his poverty; but I go on to show that he endured these ninefold afflictions, not for punishment, but so that he might become more glorious. And that’s exactly what happened. –St. John Chrysostom, Four Discourses, Chiefly on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Discourse 1, chapter 9

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

When life really seems unfair, do I have the strength to trust that God’s angels are guiding me according to the divine plan?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you voluntarily endured your life-giving death on the Cross. Grant me patience to endure this brief life so that your angels may surround me at my death and bear me away to you.

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