Revelation, Chapter 14, Verse 6-7
6 Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with everlasting good
news_to announce
to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear
God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship him
who made heaven and earth and sea and springs of water.”
Note in Revelations [14:6–13] Three angels proclaim
imminent judgment on the pagan world, calling all peoples to worship God the
creator. Babylon (Rome) will fall, and its supporters will be tormented
forever.
In Revelations [14:6] there is Everlasting
good news: that God’s eternal reign is about to begin, therefore, Fear not, for God is with you! Trust in Him as you
would a mighty fortress in adversity.
September is traditionally the
month of the Angels
Paul
in Colossians states of Christ, “He is
the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were
created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were
created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things
hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For
in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all
things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether
those on earth or those in heaven.”
“St. Michael and the
Angels” is a beautiful and inspiring book telling all about the angels. Filled
with stories from the lives and writing of the saints, it tells of the role
which the good angels play in the divine economy of saving souls. Led by St.
Michael, the Prince of the heavenly host, the angels act as our guardians,
serve as messengers from God to us and from us to God, surround the altar
during Mass, and bear the graces of the Mass like incense to the altar of God
on high. Here is explained the relationship of the angels to the Blessed Virgin
Mary and how, if she is to send them to our aid, we must request her to do so. Included too is the prayer to our
guardian angel asking him to go in our place to attend Mass when we cannot,
plus the way the good angels protect us against the evil spirits. The book also
discusses in detail the pre-eminent role of St. Michael as "Champion of
the Church," "Defender of Christians," "Guardian of
Purgatory," and "Helper of the Sick and Dying." Finally are
included prayers to the angels and a litany to our Guardian Angel, to St.
Michael, St. Raphael, and St. Gabriel. In all, St. Michael and the Angels is a
treasure trove of information and inspiration about the holy angels-our silent
partners in the way of salvation.[1]
What are
the demons in your life? Do not fear
them, for it is the Lord who fights for you! The Lord will send His angels
around those who fear Him. These
heavenly spirits shield us from danger and assist us in both our spiritual and
temporal needs. Angels instruct us and mentor us in the virtues. Ask your
guardian angel to be your spiritual director and be open to change. It is also
a good practice to ask for angelic help throughout your day. There are nine
choirs of angels and three hierarchies three within three. Remember to
ask their assistance about every two hours throughout your day
Upon rising (7 am) address the first choir of angels, the Seraphim. Their chief characteristic is great and ardent love. They were made for one thing alone-----to love the God of Love. Without ceasing they honor, praise, and love the most Blessed Trinity-----they can do nothing else-----this is their happiness. Practice upon rising to try to become a Seraph of love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God wills. Ask this great gift feverently. Aspiration: "Oh! Blessed Seraphim! Make us love." Say the Shema Yisrael.
At the second hour (9 am) of the day address the second choir is the Cherubim who continually are employed in contemplating the beauty and perfections of God and will share with us their admirable wisdom, if we ask them, and show ourselves in earnest, by the practice of supplication and prayer. Cherubim are full of zeal for the glory of God and stand ready at all times to defend His honor. Cherubim should be invoked when one is troubled with doubts against faith those who experience temptations against holy purity. Practice: Spend time before praying in great silence and recollection; endeavor to "know God, and Him Whom He has sent, Jesus Christ." Aspiration: "Blessed Cherubim! Teach us to pray."
At the fourth hour (11 am) of the day address the third choir is the choir of Thrones. They are called Angels of Peace; calm, tranquility, and stability. Ask them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke their aid for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after their example, practice being meek, calm, and peaceful with all. Practice: Dispose yourself to great sweetness and patience. Aspiration: "O Holy Thrones! Obtain that Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."
At the sixth hour (1 pm) of the day address the fourth choir of angels which is the choir of Dominations. They are consumed by their yearning for the interests of God: their principal office is to manifest His will. We should also beg of God to manifest His will to us by these Blessed "Intelligences" and then take care to fulfill it scrupulously, as being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity. We should ask these Angels to help us to spread God's kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics and infidels, and for the return of lukewarm and fallen away Catholics to the practice of the faith. Practice: Give practical proof of your zeal for the glory of God; do something for His reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant. Aspiration: "Holy Dominations! Animate us with thy zeal."
At the eighth hour (3 pm) of the day address the fifth choir of angels which is the choir of Principalities. The Principalities watch over Empires, Provinces, and Dioceses. Purity of intention is the virtue ascribed to them, for in their high functions they never seek but the honor and interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is the intention which stamps the action with merit or demerit. Practice: In all you do and say, seek the greater glory of God. Aspiration: "O Holy Spirits! May we, like thee, seek God, for God alone." Now would be a good time to also pray a divine mercy prayer
At the 10th hour (5 pm) of the day address the sixth choir of angels the Powers. These Angels have unlimited mastery over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed with great intelligence and are able to discover their schemes and plans for our destruction. Their power is so incredible that one alone of them would be able to destroy the entire infernal host. It is well to invoke them in temptation: but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of sin. Practice: Resist the attacks of vice and passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and confidence in God; combat your evil inclinations. Aspiration: "Lord! Send Thy Angels to assist us."
At the 12th hour (7 pm) of the day address the seventh choir of angels the Virtues. Energy and strength are attributed to the Virtues. They have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to their control. Hence they can raise or appease the tempest. We may profitably invoke them in unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc. We may also have recourse to them for that strength necessary to lead a penitential life, and root out the inclinations of depraved nature. All persons inclined to the contemplative life should call on this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not make holy, one needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great task. Good Practice: Visit the Blessed Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your evil dispositions. Aspiration: "Holy Virtues! Strengthen and fortify us."
At the 14th hour (9 pm) of the day address the eighth choir of angels the Archangels. The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their functions: the Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church and State and are remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate them, doing our neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these Blessed Spirits. Members of this choir are the holy spirits who stand before the throne of God, ever ready to announce His commands. St. Michael is the warrior leader of God’s angels. St. Gabriel is the special messenger of The Holy Spirit. St. Raphael is the angel of Joy. Practice-----Two Acts of Charity, with great affection. Aspiration: "Holy Archangels! Pray for us, and for our priests."
At the 16th hour (11 pm) of the day address the Ninth choir of the angels. They are charged with the execution of the Divine ordinances, and are appointed the Guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to them-----for though the least among the Choirs, yet they see their celestial companions without desiring their greater, more excellent endowments. The Guardian Angels exercise continual watchfulness over the souls committed to their care. Their number is exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an Angel has accompanied his charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a soul in any future generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will also be forever at our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased when souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the lost souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases also theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the Queen of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God. Let us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference given to others. Practice: Three Acts of Humility, interior and exterior. Aspiration: "Who is like God!"
Information
was obtained from: http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/angels.htm
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