During this month we have thought of the nature of the angels, and their work for human kind; [pg 428] now let us reflect on what we ought to do in return for these attentions. Ought we let them pass, accept them as a matter of course, and pay no attention to them? Many do this. Yet we owe them something—how much, is left almost to our own generosity. We certainly owe them friendship; they are our friends, and are solicitous for our welfare. If I have a friend that does a great deal for me, supplies my wants, and satisfies every wish of mine, I am certainly proud of his friendship, and I will seek every opportunity to be in his company. So should we treat our truest friends—our guardian angels. We should also reverence the angels, because they are greater beings than we are; they are the favorites and friends of God. Then we must have a devotion to them. This devotion we are endeavoring to practice during the month of October.
Prayer.
O angel of God, etc., etc.
Twenty-ninth Day.
What goodness does not God evince in giving us angels to watch over us! The princes of earth choose the most learned to train the heirs to the crown; and God gives us guides full of wisdom, science, and purity. He has deputed the princes of His court to watch over us. What high ideas we should conceive of our dignity, then, and how we should realize that we are called to great sanctity! Even a mother's love cannot equal the angels', and when we go to heaven we will be astonished on reviewing their services. St. Bernard [pg 429] exclaims, “O excess of goodness and love! O admirable condescension! He has given His angels charge over us.” The great God of heaven and earth has sent those elevated dignitaries of His heavenly court to watch over us, poor miserable sinners. Why does He do this? What can be His object in so caring for us? It is to His goodness alone we owe all. Let us prove ourselves grateful, then, to Him and to His holy angels, and may we one day join them in their songs of praise and gladness!
Prayer.
O angel of God, etc., etc.