Each time we celebrate Mass, and on other occasions when we use formal prayers, we sometimes say words like, "......together with the angels...". Recently I have found myself wondering about those "angels"... I wonder what they are. Are they humanoid creatures with wings that fly around the place? Do they really look like those sad-faced white beings that are often depicted in pious European paintings? And what about Satan and the other "fallen angels"? What are we thinking about when we picture them?
Angels are mentioned on several occasions in the Bible. They are usually seen as messengers or representatives of God. Historians of ancient Mesopotamia (Iraq) and Persia (Iran) tell us that thousands of years ago the peoples of those lands created works of art featuring winged humans. It would seem that our Jewish spiritual ancestors were influenced by these during the times when they were subjects of those kingdoms. Jesus spoke about them on occasion, and his words about children having guardian angels are consoling for many. In the Book of Revelation, St. John, describes angels in very dramatic ways, befitting the style of literature that he wrote. They are fearful creatures!
Personally, I see little use in speculating about what might or might not be meant by the Biblical angels. After all, any discussion of them is really just fantasising. However, this doesn't mean that I do not believe in them. I do, because I have personally met many!
The "angels" that I have met are people who have come into my life as messengers and representatives of God, who truly fulfil the traditional Biblical role of the angel. There is a difference between these contemporary angels and those in the Scriptures, though. These modern-day ones would never imagine themselves as being "angels", but to me they really are....
I am writing this reflection at the seminary at Ledalero, in Flores, Indonesia. Over the months that I have been here I have built-up a relationship with a Muslim motorbike taxi-driver. His name is Sanno. Once or twice a week he drives me from the seminary into the town of Maumere, an 8km journey. On the journey he talks about his family life, difficulties he, his wife and children are facing. Listening to him, I find myself connecting with this family, and through them, to many other families who live in the same suburb. I am learning about life in a small town from them. I find myself wondering how God fits into the scene, and sometimes in disguised ways I hear God talking to me through Sanno. He has become an "angel" for me.
A few minutes'walk from Ledalero is the simple, bamboo home of an old friend of mine. Now 87 years old, Rafael Degar, has almost no possessions, but he is the most peaceful, happy person one could wish to meet. He once told me that God must love him very much, as He has given him everything he needs. He wants for nothing. I see in Rafael an "angel" too, even though he would laugh at such a description of himself.
And there are so many other people who are truly angels, messengers of God in my life. As a missionary, I believe I am called to encourage people to see the angels in our midst. Hopefully, others will find something of an angel in me, too! In the wonderful project of building-up the Kingdom of God, all of us are called to be active participants. Is it too far-fetched to describe everyone who is participating in this mission, both consciously and unconsciously, an angel?
Image: Photograph by Lawrence Lew OP