The angels are engaged in praising and loving God; what this really includes who can tell?—or it means a variety of occupation and the greatest [pg 418] liberty of using their free will for the glory of God. The angels occupy themselves according to the meaning of their names. God, in His relations to Himself, is represented by seraphim, cherubim and thrones—angels that are devoted to His service particularly; who rejoice not so much in doing their own will, as they are happy in the close association with the splendor of God in heaven. A seraph is a great, pure angel, who shines and burns in honor of God. He represents the love of God; that great love for His creatures which is forever active in our behalf. The seraphs are put in the highest place, as created representations of that wonderful attribute, the charity of God for Himself. The cherubim are placed second; they represent knowledge and wisdom: “He was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.” This is Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, represented by the cherubim. The thrones represent God in His majesty, sitting on His throne of glory in heaven.
Prayer.
O angel of God, etc., etc.
Seventeenth Day.
Thus we may say that the seraphim represents the Holy Ghost; the cherubim, the Word, the Son of God; the thrones, the Father. These choirs of angels are in the immediate presence of God. They are before His throne, and they see Him day and night in His temple: “and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell over them.” M. Olier says: “The seraphim proceed from God, as flames proceed [pg 419] from a furnace, and their circle surround Him as with a fiery blaze.” The cherubim are the rays of the divine wisdom, and are, so to say, the eyes of God, under which He seems to regard Himself, and all the external world. The thrones are the image of His sanctity. This hierarchy expresses the three great perfections which we adore in God, namely: His love, His knowledge, and His holiness. These typify also those beautiful operations of grace whereby God draws to Himself intelligent beings; by detaching them from creatures and attaching them to Himself, enlightening them interiorly by His heavenly wisdom, so that they freely follow the guidance of God, and making His throne in their hearts, in their affections, abides there forever.
Prayer.
O angel of God, etc., etc.