WE HAVE to be aware of their presence, purpose, function and activities in our life. They, for sure, are real beings, as real as you and me. They are not fictional characters, or some merely literary devices meant to make a point or teach us a lesson.
They are always around. Their interventions and interferences in our life are not restricted to some extraordinary occasions. They actually get involved in our daily affairs. And we just have to be more perceptive of them so we would know to whom to run to and from whom to run away.
Let us remember that we are not purely material beings. We also are spiritual, with a spiritual soul, and not just a plant or animal soul. As such, our life cannot help but be in the loop of the spiritual beings also, like angels and the demons. We need to be more aware of this reality and learn how to live with it properly.
We have to remember that in the gospel, there are many references to angels and demons. We have no basis to think that in today’s world, their presence has diminished if not eliminated. They are very much with us!
Strangely enough, some people think that way, with the reason that since Christ has already assured us of our redemption because of his passion, death and resurrection, the role of angels and the danger of demons are practically made obsolete.
That is not quite so. It can also be argued that precisely because Christ has completed his work of our redemption and just waits for us to do our part, the workings of the angels and the demons have also become more relevant. The demons’ evil interest in us has spiked, and our need for angelic help has increased.
That’s why when we get closer to God, making an effort to sanctify ourselves seriously, we can also experience more vicious and subtle attacks of the demons. We should not be surprised by this phenomenon but rather feel confident that what we are doing must be good.
Angels are our tremendous friends who would help us in all our needs. Demons are our worst traitors. They, indeed, can appear to be very friendly too, but only to turn us in, so to speak.
Angels can be our security guards, our defenders and protectors, our errand boys, or simply our good companions in our daily activities. They are good in reminding us of things important to us, and warning us of potential dangers. We should take advantage of the many things they can do for us.
Demons, on the other hand, are more tricky in their ways. In fact, they can appear like our allies, and even as an “angel of light.” (cfr 2 Cor 11, 14) But the fruits of their actions will always be bad. For us to be keenly discerning of their wiles, we need to be truly identified with Christ with the help of angels and saints.
We should never forget that our life will always involve a continuing struggle. In our mind and heart will take place the constant battle between the forces of good and evil. We should be prepared for this lifelong condition of ours.
In all these, it would be good to rely on God’s grace and the most effective support of the angels. We have to develop the proper devotion to angels. It might be good to use this prayer:
“Angel of God from heaven / I ask that you shelter me under your wings. / Lighten my path, direct my steps. / Do not leave me, stay near me and defend me against the evil spirit. / But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life. / Deliver my soul so that I can praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever and ever. / Amen.
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Fr. Roy Cimagala is the Chaplain of the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise, Talamban, Cebu City (roycimagala@gmail.com)/PN
