Thursday, March 15, 2007

KNOW MORE ABOUT ANGELS

What are angels?
An angel is a pure spirit created by God. The Old Testament theology included the belief in angels: the name applied to certain spiritual beings or intelligences of heavenly residence, employed by God as the ministers of His will.
The English word "angel" comes from the Greek angelos, which means 'messenger'. In the Old Testament, with two exceptions, the Hebrew word for "angel" is malak, also meaning 'messenger'. The prophet Malachi took his name from this word. He was himself a messenger, and he prophesied about the coming of "the messenger of the covenant", Jesus Christ (Malachi 3:1).
Although the word "angel" in the Bible, meaning a messenger, nearly always applies to heavenly beings, it can occasionally apply to human messengers. Malachi himself said a priest was a messenger (malak) of the LORD of hosts (Malachi 2:7), and in the Book of Revelation the elders of the seven churches of Asia were called angels (1:20; 2:1 etc.). But when we meet messengers doing supernatural things, there is no doubt they are heavenly beings - God's messengers, working for Him and for the ultimate benefit of mankind.

How do we know angels exist?
The Scriptures give us no indication of the precise time of the creation of angels; their existence is assumed at the earliest times. Our Lord often spoke of angels; in the New Testament they are numerous and seven orders are mentioned: Angels, Powers, Principalities, Dominions (ations), Thrones and Archangels the Old Testament specifically mentions two others Seraph (im) and Cherub(im). God bestowed upon angels great wisdom, freedom, and power, and their many appearances in the New Testament are indication of the lead role assigned to them. Both the New Testament and Old Testament refer also to the fallen angels. The Temptation of Adam and Eve presupposes the existence of bad spirits or demons who were cast into hell from which they have no hope of redemption. Angels are purely spiritual or bodiless persons (Mt 11:30), some of whom behold the face of God and thus are in bliss (Mt 18:10). These spiritual beings comprise the celestial court and are called angels (from the Greek for "messenger") because, according to the Bible, they carry out missions at God's command. In order to complete these missions, they can at times assume bodily form. According to the Bible, their missions are sometimes of great importance - eg, the Annunciation (Lk 1:26; 2:9-14). Like us , the angels are the objects of God's grace and love. But because, unlike us they are non-bodily creatures, their response to God's love did not require time and reflection to grow and mature. As soon as they were created and received grace, they had the opportunity to respond to God's love and thus be welcomed into bliss. While many did so, some did not. Perhaps the most significant continuing activity of the good angels is to be the agents of God's particular providence for mankind. Thus, the Church teaches that everyone has a guardian angel, based on references to them throughout the Bible.

Why did God Create Angels?
The Creator Himself is so powerful and glorious that He cannot be approached in person by human beings. He alone "hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto: whom no man hath seen, nor can see (1 Timothy 6:16). Angels do not have man's shortcomings, and can therefore act for God and represent Him when communicating with men and women. They bridge the huge gap between the holiness and perfection of God in heaven and the shortcomings of dying people on this planet. Angels were made immortal (that is, never to die). Their eternal quality was spoken of by Jesus when he said:
"They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God. being the children of the resurrection." (Luke 20:35.36)
Jesus was saying that, in the same way as the angels (the children or "sons" of God) live for ever and are of one gender, so those who will be called the "sons" and "daughters" of God when Jesus returns will also live for ever and will not marry.

Angels with Names
Only occasionally are the angels given names. "Michael", for instance, was "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people (Israel)" (Daniel 12:1). Undoubtedly, among the most significant of angelic appearances were those by the angel whose name was "Gabriel". He was sent twice to the prophet Daniel. On the second occasion Daniel was at prayer, and Gabriel, "being caused to fly swiftly, touched me ... and talked with me" and proceeded to prophesy the date of the first coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Daniel 9:21-27). There was therefore great expectation among the Jews at the time when Jesus Christ was about to be born, and this was heightened by the personal appearance of Gabriel again, firstly to Zacharias the priest while on duty in the temple, and then to Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph. To Zacharias, the angel announced. "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God: and am sent to speak unto thee" (Luke 1:19). We notice that angels can stand in the glorious presence of the LORD. whereas men cannot. and angels are sent to do whatever God wishes. His mission here was to announce the miraculous birth of John the Baptist.

Six months later, Gabriel appeared to Mary, who was in the royal line of King David. Her prayer, said the angel, had found favour with God, and she would be the mother of the expected Messiah. Gabriel told her that she would conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and her son would be Jesus, the Saviour, and he would be the Son of God and would occupy the royal throne of David (Luke 1:26-33). It was an extraordinary meeting because Mary was not yet married. Nothing is impossible with God! Joseph, her husband-to-be, also received angelic messages advising him what steps to take in this unique situation.

When Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem, the birth was the signal for a glorious witness of divine approval, seen by shepherds:

"An angel of the Lord (could this have been Gabriel?) appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!'" (Luke 2:9-14, RSV)

Who are our Guardian Angels?
No evil shall befall you, nor shall affliction come near your tent, for to His Angels God has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways. Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91: 10-12 A heavenly spirit assigned by God to watch over each of us during our lives. The doctrine of angels is part of the Church's tradition. The role of the guardian angel is both to guide us to good thoughts, works and words, and to preserve us from evil. Since the 17th century the Church has celebrated a feast honoring them in October throughout the Universal Church. Since the last calendar revision this feast is Oct 2.

He has charged His angels with the ministry of watching and safeguarding every one of His creatures that behold not His face. Kingdoms have their angels assigned to them, and men have their angels; these latter it is to whom religion designates the Holy Guardian Angels. Our Lord says in the Gospel, "Beware lest ye scandalize any of these little ones, for their angels in heaven see the face of My Father." The existence of Guardian Angels, is, hence a dogma of the Christian faith: this being so, what ought not our respect be for that sure and holy intelligence that is ever present at our side; and how great our solicitude be, lest, by any act of ours, we offend those eyes which are ever bent upon us in all our ways!
Prayers to our Guardian Angels

Angels of the early Church
Revelations the Lord addresses each of the seven Churches by means of instructing angels to record His dictation. These 'secretary' angels are the angels of the Churches:

• Church of Ephesus (Rv 2:1)
• of Smyrna (Rv 2:8)
• of Pergamum (Rv 2:12)
• of Thyatira (Rv 2:18)
• of Sardis (Rv 3:1)
• of Philadelphia (Rv 3:7)
• of Laodices (Rv 3:14)

Man Made Lower than the Angels
When the first man was being created:

"Let us make man in our image. after our likeness ... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:26-27)

This does not mean that the first of the human race had exactly the same physical nature as the angels, for the angels were made to live for ever. Adam and Eve were not made never-dying: they did sin, and they suffered death as the punishment for it. That is why the whole human race has been dying ever since.

Psalm 8 is a Psalm in which the creation of the earth is extolled. Here we are told that man's position is lower than the angels:

"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? ... For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Psalm 8:4,5)

The New Testament quotes this passage, and tells us that mankind - including the Lord Jesus himself - was made a little lower than the angels, "for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9). Angels do not die, but men and women do. Even Jesus, the Son of God, was a mortal man, but has now received the glory and honour which was his due when, as he said after his resurrection, "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18).

The Fallen Angels (Demons)
These beings, because of pride, did not return God's love. God did not destroy them, but permits them a limited scope of activity. Their condition is permanent for no creature can turn away from the perfect good of the beatific vision once he has come to enjoy it, and no additional reflection could change the mind of a purely spiritual being who has turned away.

Demons are fallen angels under the command of Satan, those who are still free after the Gen. 6 affair. Satan is called the Prince, or Ruler, of all demons in Matthew 9:34; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15. Demons are also called the ministers, or ambassadors of Satan, Luke 4:35; 9:1,42; John 10:21. Satan is brilliant, an administrative genius. He has an excellent organization, mentioned in Eph. 6:10-12 (READ) The Bible also makes a distinction between demon possession and demon influence.

The Nine Choirs of Angels

Seraphim Cherubim Thrones

Dominions Virtues Powers

Principalities Archangels Angels (Regular)

Seraphim
These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

Cherubim
Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him.

Thrones
Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submisssion. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God.

Dominions
Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Virtues
Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.

Powers
Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.

Archangels
Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St. Michael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly. Of special significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)

Principalities
In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16) and thrones (Col1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)

Angels
These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any time. They are the most caring and socius to assist those who ask for help.

Angel Stories

Choose an Angel Story below.

Title	Author
An Angel's Message of Warning	Joan Fowler
Police Officer's Partner	Alfredo Lopez
One night	Christian Elizalde
no title	Christina Song
Not my time	FIONA MALONEY
Angel Couple	Randy Rodriguez
Someone has saved me!	Mary Leeneth Lauron
Angels in the Train Station	C. E.
4 Wheel Drive Angels	John Haas
Angels are Everywhere	Jaci Tron
An Angel in my Kitchen	Joycelyn Smith
Homeless Angel	Angela Ohanian
Grandfather as an angel	Kathleen Liner
God's Will	Jennifer Martin
Ignatius	Theresa Smaroff
no title	Anonymous
I believe	Samantha Wynkoop
Dreams	Michelle Vargas
2 Angels in one day	Trina Moore
Joan of arc	Meagan Kaminski
My mom came to see her grandson for the first time	Dawn Gudat
My Grandmother\'s Grave	Michelle Brylowska
guardian angel	B. Baptiste
Josephina	Anonymous
Everything will be alright	John May
Just relax!	Maureen Moore
A Wake-Up Call	Kathryn Adriano
My Angel	Jerry Wallace
Mom's Passing Gift	Vicky Zuwala
Saving angel	Helena del Pino
Last chance	Kyle Gilmore
two angels	kenneth briganti
His Angel or Mine	sandra Reyna
A Tweed Coat	Olivia Solomon
Three times a miracle	Yamilet Mantecon
My Guardian Angel	Brooke Yessa
Saved by an Angel	John Wagner
My husbands angel	annabelle reiger
The Voice	Camilla O'Brien
BELIEVE	JESSICA CUEVAS
Garrett's Angels	Donna Benedict
no title	Maria
Messages from Angels	Marie Sanchez
Watching over me	Dick Baker
A Healing Hand	Dave Ludwick
Army of Angels	Roselia Nevarez
My salvation	Michael yacques
Angel encounter	Stephanie Fulton
MY MOM	MARIBEL GONZALEZ
marine angel	Luis Trevino
slow down	virgen valentin
Supportive Hug	Debbie Schmidtke
We Were Both Ready	Sophie
I'll Always Love You, I'll Never Leave You	Elva Herrera
Great Grandfather	Michael Casey
Life Saving Encounter	Patricia White
Wings of love	Mike Fisher
An Answer to Cheer Me	Christine Chiomento
DABAR the angel of the Lord	Anne Smith
My short moment of Peace	Tiffany Lequerique
Gina	Margaret Quigley
no title	Anna G
The Feather Duster	Lee Zelhart
Storm	Chole
An Angel Awakened Me	Vonnie Deak
My babyboy Angel	Yessenia Rivera
our angels	Kellie purser
Protection from an Assailant	Jill Winther
My Guardian Angels	Angela Corcoran
My brother	guadalupe guzman
Saved by my Guardian Angel	Diana
God's Answer	Ashley Nicole
Long lost uncle	Nicolette Karczewski
no title	Rene Schneider
When we think no one else	Nancy Sonier
Guardian Angel	Maria
Needed Help	Ralph M
The Ring of the Telephone	Ellen Nipper
I FEEL A VERY NICE AND STRONG PERFUME FOR SOME SECONDS	Stella Nkhonya
aNgeL sEnT bY God	Ellaine Manansala
Treasure our gifts	Kim J.
It's Mother Calling	John Nichols
Long Hair	Crystal Denney
The cook	Robert Clements
Erin	Leigh Boyles
Angel at Bedtime	Renee Woznesensky
Angel Mechanic	Christine Clarke
My Aunt's Prayer	valerie coranado
Guardian Angel	Michael Gomez
"Thoughts of My Angel!"	Marsha Neuschwanter
MOTHER'S ENCOUNTER WITH ANGELS	MARIBEL GONZALEZ
Watching My Back	Amanda Joiner
touched by an angel	Tina Willis
I did not think of God at all until I saw my granddaddy	lindsey stewart
Angel of comfort	Arlene Hiles
The faith of my Grandmother	Daphne Hebert
We are never alone	Bonnie Franklin
Touched By An Angel	Debra Sueper
An Angelic Appearence	Sunaira Barkat
Elaines Angles	Margaret Graham
World Trade Center Angels	Roxanne Cintron
The Power of the Rosary	Rosalie Francaviglia
There is no doubt Angels are real	sheree davenport
A Tall White Angel	Noelia R. Cambero
Saved from emotional hell	Paul
visit from an angel	holly mora
Angel Abby	Billy Fisher
Saved from ferocious dogs	Roger Hayes
Thank you	Julie Power
My angel brought me home	Nena Sunico
Angel in Waiting	Mike Seddon
Angel with A White Beard	Sam Ramirez
Driving with angels...	Lori Leissner
They came to take him home	Elizabeth Conner-Ster
An angel saved my life	Vincent Parise
I am okay now	Jessica Edwards
How an angel saved my daughter	Patricia Ten Eyck
You Should Watch	Christian Duguay
Angel outside the Parish	Abram Toa
Angel Power	Shirley Abuel
My life was saved	Amanda Theobald
TIMOTHY	RICHARD BURDITT JR
An angel heard my prayer	Maria Cabral
Don't See and Believe	Billy Cokit
My Mom's Nurse	Linda Driskill
Ball of Light	A Smith
the bird encounter	Connor Pierce
Car Trouble and Angels to Assist	Suzie
my angel was sent to save me	Carlos Perez
A Lesson	Rey Aranas
Saved by an angel	Kevin Coyne
Angels walk among us too.	Chaz Kraiza

Angels: Bible Concordance

Old Testament references

Cherubim at entrance to Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:24
Appear to Abraham, Genesis 18:1-33
Saved Lot and his family, Genesis 19:1-22
Intervened with Isaac, Genesis 22:11-18
Heavenly vision of Jacob's Ladder, Genesis 28:12
Accompanied Israel through the desert, Exodus 23:20 And Numbers 20:16

Aided the prophets

Isaiah 6:2-7
Ezekiel 1:4-28
Daniel 7:9-10
Zechariah 1:9-19

New Testament references

Appeared in connection with birth of Christ

Matthew 1:20
Luke 1:26-38

Appear to:

Paul, Acts 27:23
Peter, Acts 12:7-11
Cornelius, Acts 10:3-6
Sadducees didn't believe in angels, Acts 23:8
12 Legions of Angels, Matthew 26:53

Mentioned by name:

Raphael, Tobit 12:15
Michael, Daniel 10:13
Revelation, 12:7
Gabriel, Daniel 8:16
Luke 1:19

Fall of the angels

Deuteronomy 32:17
2 Peter 2:4
Jude 1:6
Revelation 12:7-9

Prayers to the Angels of God

Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

A Mother's Prayer to the Guardian Angels of her children
I humbly salute you, O you faithful, heavenly Friends of my children! I give you heartfelt thanks for all the love and goodness you show them. At some future day I shall, with thanks more worthy than I can now give, repay your care for them, and before the whole heavenly court acknowledge their indebtedness to your guidance and protection. Continue to watch over them. Provide for all their needs of body and soul. Pray, likewise, for me, for my husband, and my whole family, that we may all one day rejoice in your blessed company.
Amen

Prayer to Our Holy Guardian Angels
Heavenly Father, Your infinite love for us has chosen a blessed angel in heaven and appointed him our guide during this earthly pilgrimage. Accept our thanks for so great ablessing. Grant that we may experience the assistance of our holy protector in all our necessities. And you, holy, loving angel and guide, watch over us with all the tenderness of your angelic heart. Keep us always on the way that leads to heaven, and cease not to pray for us until we have attained our final destiny, eternal salvation. Then we shall love you for all eternity. We shall praise and glorify you unceasingly for all the good you have done for us while here on earth. Especially be a faithful and watchful protector of our children. Take our place, and supply what may be wanting to us through human frailty, short-sightedness, or sinful neglect. Lighten, O you perfect servants of God, our heavy task. Guide our children, that they may become like unto Jesus, may imitate Him faithfully, and persevere till they attain eternal life.
Amen

Another Prayer to the Guardian Angels
My good Angel, Thou comest from heaven; God has sent thee to take care of me. Oh, shelter me under thy wings. Lighten my path, direct my steps. Do not leave me, stay quite near me and defend me against the spirit of evil. But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life. Deliver my soul so that with thee it may praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever and ever.
Amen

Posted by THE SAINT :: 9:47 AM :: 0 Comments:

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------