— The Talmud20
January 26
Biblical Names for Angels
The Bible is full of angels. From the first book — Genesis — to the last — Revelation — we read of their creation and role as messengers of God and guardians of his people. Both the Old and New Testaments have many different names for these shining and amazing celestial creatures. In the Book of Job, they are called “sons of God” (Job 1:6), and in the Book of Daniel, they are described as “watchers” (Daniel 4:14). In the Psalms, angels are called the “holy ones” (Psalm 89:5), “hosts of the heavens” (Psalm 33:6), and “mighty ones who do his bidding” (Psalm 103:20). The Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament calls angels “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14).
Bless the Lord, all you his angels,
mighty in strength, acting at his behest,…
Bless the Lord, all you his hosts,
his ministers who carry out his will.
(Psalm 103:20–21)
January 27
Saint Angela Merici (1474–1540)
A Vision of Angels
Until age ten, Saint Angela Merici had a happy childhood. But within a few years, her little world in Brescia, Italy, collapsed. First, her father died. Then, her only sister and her mother died. Angela grieved because her sister hadn’t received the sacraments right before her death. Aptly named for the angels, Angela was beautiful and compassionate. She served the needy and taught uneducated, poor girls. In 1506, she had a life-changing vision. She saw angels and young women descending from heaven. Her own sister was among them. Shortly after, she founded the Company of Saint Ursula, which became the Ursuline Sisters. Today, their excellent high schools and colleges are found around the world.21
“The more you love them, the more you will care for and watch over them. And it will be impossible for you not to cherish them day and night … for this is how real love acts and works.”
— Saint Angela Merici22
January 28
Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
Instant Messaging, Angel Style
The word “angel” means “messenger,” and believers know that angels are God’s special messengers. Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote and taught extensively about angels. He explained that speech between angels is never a matter of sounds or words. In his Summa Theologica, he said angel-to-angel communication means the direct communication of knowledge. Angels can also “speak” to God by consulting his divine will. Time or distance does not affect “angel talk.” An angel can communicate with just one other angel, with many, or with all. It is simply a matter of the will. It’s “instant messaging” — angel style.23
“We are like children who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; and God has provided for this by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.”
— Saint Thomas Aquinas24
January 29
Ask the Angels
Author Mike Aquilina proposes a very practical and easy way to tap into the awesome power of the angels who are present to us at all times and in every circumstance. He advises: “Think of all the people who most need your Christian witness: a son or daughter? a son-in-law? a daughter-in-law? an estranged friend? a former colleague? What’s the best way to begin to reach them? Well, each of them has a guardian angel who’s eager to help.” He advocates this approach in your daily interaction with your spouse, or children, your coworkers, neighbors — your adversaries. First ask your own guardian angel to help you do or say the right thing. If you need more help, remember that your spouse’s or child’s guardian angel is there to help. The main thing is to be aware of the angels around you and to get in the habit of calling on them often.25
The angels are in God’s presence. That means that they are present everywhere. In the area of human existence an angel is universally pervasive and penetrative.26
January 30
TV’s Award-Winning Angels
From 1994–2003, millions of people watched Touched by an Angel, an award-winning CBS television series about angels interacting with ordinary people. Angel trainee Monica (Roma Downey) and supervisor Tess (Della Reese) brought hope and the assurance of God’s love to those who needed it. Traveling in their 1972 red Cadillac Eldorado convertible, they encouraged fractured families and communities to reunite. Wounded, marginalized people found healing. Although the series never claimed to teach complicated theological truths, the basic message was fundamentally biblical. Touched by an Angel touched — and inspired — many viewers.
“There are angels near you to guide you and protect you, if you would but invoke them. It is not later than we think; it is a bigger world than we think.”
— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, an American television “star” during the 1950s and 1960s27
January 31
Saint John Bosco, Priest (1815–1888)
When We’re Tempted
“When tempted, invoke your Angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped!” That’s what Saint John Bosco, the Italian founder of the Salesians, told homeless youth in Turin. He cared for hundreds of boys and was like a father to them. The boys called him “Don Bosco,” the traditional and familiar title for Italian priests. Bosco worked day and night supporting and educating them. He too had grown up in poverty. He knew how tempting it was to take things when you grew up with very little. “Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him,” he reassured his boys. “He trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel.”28
Saint John Bosco, your advice to homeless boys is just as good for me. When I am tempted, let me remember to call upon the angels for help.
February 1
Saint Brigid of Ireland (c. 451–525)
An Angel of Generosity
Brigid of Ireland often showed over-the-top generosity. When she emptied her pantry to
