Your guardian angel is your link to the divine. The word “angel” comes from the Greek and means “messenger”. The concept of guardian angels dates back thousands of years, to the Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations, where they were believed to protect palaces and temples. However, this was gradually changing. Many people in the Christian tradition believe that each baby is assigned a guardian angel at birth. Jesus referred to this when he said that the angels who care for children always look to God (Matthew 18:10).
Around the year 150 AD. C., a man named Hermas wrote one of the first Christian best-sellers, Shepherd of Hermas. In it, Hermas wrote about his personal angel-shepherd who acted as his guardian angel and helped him on a daily basis. Fast forward almost 1,900 years, Pope Pius XI said that he prayed to his guardian angel every morning and every night. When he had to talk to someone who was opposed to him, he would ask his guardian angel to contact the other person’s guardian angel first, to eliminate any potential problems.
We all have a guardian angel who watches over us and tries to help us in subtle ways. Not long ago, I spoke with a woman who had narrowly escaped being struck by a car while she was crossing a street. She felt a force pull her to the side of the road moments before she passed a car. She attributed her lucky escape from her to her guardian angel.
Young children often believe in guardian angels, but often lose faith as they grow into adults. Regardless of your beliefs, your guardian angel continues to communicate with you in thoughts and dreams meant to inspire, help, and advise you. However, your guardian angel will never interfere with your free will. Sometimes when the situation is urgent, guardian angels act more directly. When Sir Ernest Shackleton, the British explorer, returned from the South Pole, he knew that “one more” was accompanying his party. When Sir Francis Smythe was attempting the final leg of his ascent of Mount Everest on his behalf, he realized that he had an invisible companion. “I couldn’t feel alone, nor could I come to any harm,” he later wrote.
How do you recognize your guardian angel? Ask your guardian angel to communicate with you in quiet moments. Be aware of your dreams. Pay attention to the calm voice that warns you when he is tempted to do something wrong. Little by little you will realize that your guardian angel is with you all the time, and he is willing to help you in everything you do.
Your guardian angel is your own personal guide and teacher. As you accept the presence of your guardian angel, your life will gradually improve. Small upsets will no longer bother you and you will find yourself more loving, tolerant and compassionate. You will also become aware of the spiritual in every area of your life.
