Angel Spies

When I was young, my grandmother told me that there were angels watching over me.  I couldn't see them, but they were there, ready to protect me and guide me whether I knew it or not.

I immediately thought of Casper, the friendly ghost of cartoon fame (at least he was famous back then).   Casper could choose to become visible to those he liked and he would try to help them, as opposed to the bad ghosts who became visible to people to scare them.

Somehow, this invisible being could manipulate the world around him, moving objects and making himself known.  I wondered if angels could do that.

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. - Matthew 18:10

In the reading today, Jesus tells his disciples that there are angels watching over the children.  He tells them this as a warning.  What they see, God sees through them.

So, are they like the cameras at stop lights, waiting for us to do something wrong so we can be given a ticket?  Are they the spies of God?

I had never really thought of an angel that way, but I guess if they are guardians or protectors of us, then they must be able to do something, even if that something is to tell the boss.

So, which is a better picture, a friendly helper or a spy?

Well, it might depend on which side of the equation we are on.  If I'm in a dangerous or frightful situation, I might not want a friendly companion.  I might want someone who can bring down the almighty power of God to help me.

I know, though, that this doesn't happen often enough.  Too many kids find themselves taken advantage of and nobody comes to the rescue.  Jesus tells us that our Father in heaven sees and knows, but it hurts to hear that when so many remain in harm's way.

For my grandma, there was comfort in knowing the angels were watching over me.  She didn't want to think about evils that may come my way.  The angels could guide me  out of those situations.

Maybe they did, but that doesn't make me feel better about those who aren't protected.  For them, we need to be the angels.  We need to do something and not wait for others who may not come.

How?

I don't know.  But I do know we can start by talking about the problems that face our young ones and how we can become the eyes and ears who can stand before the face of God.



More to come...

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