Ponder Personal Protection

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, invite us to ponder the events in our life journey that brought us to the present and the nature of the mystical experiences for which we are thankful for Divine Protection. 

Angel of God...

The Reading from the Book of Exodus proclaims the Reward of Fidelity.

 [23:21] My authority is within him: lit., “My name is within him.” (Exodus, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading chosen by USCCB today is from the Book of Job. 

* [38:1] Now the Lord enters the debate and addresses two discourses (chaps. 38–39 and 40–41) to Job, speaking of divine wisdom and power. Such things are altogether beyond the capacity of Job. Out of the storm: frequently the background of the appearances of the Lord in the Old Testament; cf. Ps 18; 50; Na 1:3; Hb 3:2–15.

* [38:3] Gird up your loins: prepare for combat—figuratively, be ready to defend yourself in debate.

* [38:7] Sons of God: see note on 1:6.

* [38:21] Ironic, but not a harsh rebuke. (Job, CHAPTER 38 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [40:4–5] Job’s first reaction is humble, but also seemingly cautious. (Job, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 139 is a meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience.

* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24).

* [139:2] When I sit and stand: in all my physical movement.

* [139:9] Take the wings of dawn: go to the extremities of the east. Beyond the sea: uttermost bounds of the west; the sea is the Mediterranean.

* [139:11] Night shall be my light: night to me is what day is to others. (Psalms, PSALM 139, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus proclaims the Greatest in the Kingdom.

* [18:1–35] This discourse of the fourth book of the gospel is often called the “church order” discourse, but it lacks most of the considerations usually connected with church order, such as various offices in the church and the duties of each, and deals principally with the relations that must obtain among the members of the church. Beginning with the warning that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is measured not by rank or power but by childlikeness (Mt 18:1–5), it deals with the care that the disciples must take not to cause the little ones to sin or to neglect them if they stray from the community

* [18:1] The initiative is taken not by Jesus as in the Marcan parallel (Mk 9:33–34) but by the disciples. Kingdom of heaven: this may mean the kingdom in its fullness, i.e., after the parousia and the final judgment. But what follows about causes of sin, church discipline, and forgiveness, all dealing with the present age, suggests that the question has to do with rank also in the church, where the kingdom is manifested here and now, although only partially and by anticipation; see notes on Mt 3:2; 4:17.

* [18:3] Become like children: the child is held up as a model for the disciples not because of any supposed innocence of children but because of their complete dependence on, and trust in, their parents. So must the disciples be, in respect to God.

* [18:5] Cf. Mt 10:40.

* [18:10–14] The first and last verses are peculiar to Matthew. The parable itself comes from Q; see Lk 15:3–7. In Luke it serves as justification for Jesus’ table-companionship with sinners; here, it is an exhortation for the disciples to seek out fellow disciples who have gone astray. Not only must no one cause a fellow disciple to sin, but those who have strayed must be sought out and, if possible, brought back to the community. The joy of the shepherd on finding the sheep, though not absent in Mt 18:13 is more emphasized in Luke. By his addition of Mt 18:10, 14 Matthew has drawn out explicitly the application of the parable to the care of the little ones.

* [18:10] Their angels in heaven…my heavenly Father: for the Jewish belief in angels as guardians of nations and individuals, see Dn 10:13, 20–21; Tb 5:4–7; 1QH 5:20–22; as intercessors who present the prayers of human beings to God, see Tb 13, 12:15, . The high worth of the little ones is indicated by their being represented before God by these heavenly beings. (Matthew, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes comments that she saw a thread through all the documentaries and tributes about 9-11: care for others, no matter their race, creed, or religion. Care for each other in a time of crisis and doubt. Care for our common humanity, knowing that so many lost their loved ones, and that over the years we’ve only lost more.

In the Psalm before the Gospel, the refrain is simple:

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will. - Psalm 103:21

Rest in peace to those who lost their lives, lost loved ones, and who have died because of the toxic chemicals released at Ground Zero. We remember the angels who did God’s will on September 11th, and the angels who continue to do God’s will to create a world that prepares us to meet in heaven.

Take care of one another. (Nownes, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Their angels behold the face of my Father in heaven,” by Chromatius (died 406 AD).

"It is not right to despise anyone who believes in Christ. A believer is called not only a servant of God but also a son through the grace of adoption, to whom the kingdom of heaven and the company of the angels is promised. And rightly the Lord adds, 'For I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.' How much grace the Lord has toward each one believing in him he himself declares when he shows their angels always beholding the face of the Father who is in heaven. Great is the grace of the angels toward all who believe in Christ. Finally, the angels carry their prayers to heaven. Hence the word of Raphael to Tobias: 'When you prayed along with your daughter-in-law Sara, I offered the memory of your prayer in the sight of God (Deutero-canonical book of Tobit 12:12). Around them there is also the strong guard of the angels; they help each of us to be free from the traps of the enemy. For a human in his weakness could not be safe amid so many forceful attacks of that enemy if he were not strengthened by the help of the angels." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 57.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

 [Note: Chromatius was an early Christian scholar and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was a close friend of John Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome described him as a "most learned and most holy man."]

Friar Jude Winker comments on the texts for today. Job is all through crying to God to explain to him why as an innocent man who is suffering and is not rewarded for a good life? Contrary to the Hebrew expectation of God at the time. God asks “Who does Job think he is?” How can a human question the motives of God? Job decides to not speak again. Guardian Angels are celebrated in the memorial for today. Traditionally, they are the angels who see the face of God and protect the children. We see some lack of care in our concept of angels in modern society when they are named and claimed for our intentions. God and the angels are protecting and we sense in our gut feelings as we become trusting, honest, and simple like children and followers of God who are not self centered and arrogant. Friar Jude expresses hope that by reflecting on angelic guardians we become more motivated to trust in God as we advance in our conversion or transformation.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 18:1-5, 10 notes that many people can tell stories that describe miraculous protection from danger or guidance when hope seems lost. Especially on today’s feast of the Guardian Angels, these stories can help us understand how much God treasures us. Jesus says that everyone has an angelic protector who is always in the presence of God (Matthew 18:10). That’s how much our heavenly Father treasures us! He gives each of us a heavenly guide who is completely committed to helping us on our journey to our heavenly home.

Considering the lengths to which the Lord went to rescue us from sin and death, how much more does he­—and all of heaven with him—work to bring us into his kingdom! The guardian angels remind us that God loves each of us more than we can possibly know. He cares for us, and he has assigned us a perfect, pure spirit to assist us as we make our way in the dimness, over the footpath, on the way home.

“Father, I can hardly imagine all the ways you care for me. Thank you for the angels you send to watch over me and my loved ones.” (Meditation on Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, shares an experience he had while on pilgrimage to the convent where Thérèse of Lisieux lived.

Before she died, Thérèse promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth. [1] Whether we believe in miracles of the saints or not, it seems like everybody who loves Thérèse has some miraculous story. She gets involved in our lives. I think she is present in millions of lives. There is something beautiful happening through this woman who said she wanted to perfect “the science of love.” [2]

My own experience in her convent felt like an affirmation of what I truly believe and what has been a lot of my message. The little way is the spirituality of imperfection; we come to God not by doing it right, but by doing it wrong. It’s not a matter of doing great things. Whenever we act in conscious love, this is the little way. And I think whatever we do in conscious union and love is prayer. So many of our Catholic saints are examples of heroic martyrdom; the message they give is, “If I am perfect, then God will love me.” Because I was so programmed to think that way, I really needed to be released from that pursuit of perfection. Thank God both Thérèse and Francis of Assisi did that for me!   (Rohr, n.d.)

We recall with gratitude and faith the traditional prayer…

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light, to guard, to rule, and guide.

Amen.

that reflects Jesus' commitment to guide disciples who are little ones because of their becoming like children.

References

Exodus, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/23 

Job, CHAPTER 38 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/38? 

Job, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/40 

Matthew, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18? 

Meditation on Matthew 18:1-5, 10. (2026, October 2). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/02/1686132/ 

Nownes, D. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-2-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 139. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Visit from Thérèse. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-visit-from-therese/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Their Angels Behold the Father in Heaven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 2, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2026&date=oct2a 

Peace to the Household

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, offer a glimpse at the Way of Life that siblings of Jesus are called to embrace.

The Way to Peace

The Reading from the Book of Job proclaims the background to Job seeking a future vindicator.

* [19:23–24] What Job is about to say is so important that he wants it recorded in a permanent manner.

* [19:25–27] The meaning of this passage is obscure because the original text has been poorly preserved and the ancient versions do not agree among themselves. Job asserts three times that he shall see a future vindicator (Hebrew goel), but he leaves the time and manner of this vindication undefined. The Vulgate translation has Job indicating a belief in resurrection after death, but the Hebrew and the other ancient versions are less specific. (Job, BOOK of JOB | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 proclaims “I believe” echoing “I trust” .

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself… In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3).

* [27:13] In the land of the living: or “in the land of life,” an epithet of the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 52:7; 116:9; Is 38:11), where the faithful had access to the life-giving presence of God. (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus prepares the Mission of the Seventy-two.

* [10:1–12] Only the Gospel of Luke contains two episodes in which Jesus sends out his followers on a mission: the first (Lk 9:1–6) is based on the mission in Mk 6:6b–13 and recounts the sending out of the Twelve; here in Lk 10:1–12 a similar report based on Q becomes the sending out of seventy-two in this gospel. The episode continues the theme of Jesus preparing witnesses to himself and his ministry. These witnesses include not only the Twelve but also the seventy-two who may represent the Christian mission in Luke’s own day. Note that the instructions given to the Twelve and to the seventy-two are similar and that what is said to the seventy-two in Lk 10:4 is directed to the Twelve in Lk 22:35.

* [10:1] Seventy[-two]: important representatives of the Alexandrian and Caesarean text types read “seventy,” while other important Alexandrian texts and Western readings have “seventy-two.”

* [10:4] Carry no money bag…greet no one along the way: because of the urgency of the mission and the singlemindedness required of missionaries, attachment to material possessions should be avoided and even customary greetings should not distract from the fulfillment of the task.

* [10:5] First say, ‘Peace to this household’: see notes on Lk 2:14 and Mt 10:13.

* [10:6] A peaceful person: literally, “a son of peace.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that great and weighty trials may not be a regular feature of our daily sphere of action. But consider today’s memorial saint – Therese of the Child Jesus – whose embrace of the “little way” shows how devotion in the seemingly mundane is of great importance to the kingdom of God. Mothers (like my dear wife) who must deal with daily household chores, the needs of small children (and grandchildren), and the supportive care of others show stoutheartedness in their tender care.

Stoutheartedness grows through challenges that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. As we ponder the stouthearted way, let us consider how to move beyond our trust in the familiar (our resources, proven skills, and talents) toward greater reliance on the Lord’s goodness and character. He is sending us to bring the love and power of Christ into a world full of naysayers and doubters – just as someone else did for us. That could be a missionary journey, or it could be right in your workplace or even your family home. Remember that our Vindicator is always nearby, ready to raise us up to stand together with Him, even in the midst of the dust. Thanks be to God. (Morse, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus the Good Shepherd changes wolves into sheep”, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"How then does [Jesus] command the holy apostles, who are innocent men and 'sheep,' to seek the company of wolves, and go to them of their own will? Is not the danger apparent? Are they not set up as ready prey for their attacks? How can a sheep prevail over a wolf? How can one so peaceful conquer the savageness of beasts of prey? 'Yes,' he says, 'for they all have me as their Shepherd: small and great, people and princes, teachers and students. I will be with you, help you, and deliver you from all evil. I will tame the savage beasts. I will change wolves into sheep, and I will make the persecutors become the helpers of the persecuted. I will make those who wrong my ministers to be sharers in their pious designs. I make and unmake all things, and nothing can resist my will.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 61) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winker comments on the texts for today. Job cries out for pity declaring the hand of God has struck him. But friends connect his misfortune to sin and they become his tormentors. Job wants to indicate he is unfairly injured. He seeks a vindicator (Hebrew goel) who is a person to help in your distress and need. Job is seeking God in the flesh, unlike the idea of Sheol. Job declares a resurrection of the dead. That is an idea initially expressed after the Exile. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appoints 72 as disciples based on the 72 elders in the Hebrew Testament chosen to assist Moses Jesus exhorts them to Trust in Providence. God will take care of them. They are instructed to depend on the hospitality of those who welcome them, people who are doing good things. Friar Jude notes that Rejection of the Kingdom is a decision to exist outside the Kingdom. We get what we ask for when we sin: loneliness, alienation, this is the worst consequence.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14 comments that when we go through trials and sufferings, it’s often wise to ask what we could do differently. For example, a health crisis might prompt us to take better care of our bodies, or a strained relationship might lead us to be more patient with our loved ones. But there are some trials that can’t be resolved by new resolutions. In a special way, these challenges invite us to lean on the Lord more fully.

Just as Job and the psalmist believed that their trials would come to an end, you can be certain that yours will, too, whether in this life or in the next. As you walk through them now, you can also be sure that God is walking with you. He is faithful in every season of your life. So even today, you can see his “good things”—in the peace that he gives you, in his mercy, and in his promise to remain with you.

So join the psalmist in proclaiming, “I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord. I believe that I can experience his presence and his peace. I believe that I can draw from the abundant provision that he provides—right here and right now.”

“Lord, I trust in your goodness and mercy.” (Meditation on Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14, 2026)

Dorothy Day, cofounder of the Catholic Worker, had a deep attachment to Thérèse of Lisieux for her “little way” to God, which was open to all, including people living in poverty. Day writes of Thérèse’s widespread appeal.

What stands out in her life? Her holiness of course, and the holiness of her entire family. That is not an ordinary thing in this day of post-war materialism [and] delinquency….

With governments becoming stronger and more centralized, the common [person] feels [their] ineffectiveness. When the whole world seems given over to preparedness for war and the show of force, the message of Therese is quite a different one.

She speaks to our condition. Is the atom a small thing? And yet what havoc it has wrought. Is her little way a small contribution to the life of the spirit? It has all the power of the spirit of Christianity behind it. It is an explosive force that can transform our lives and the life of the world, once put into effect….

One can state that this saint, of this day, is releasing a force, a spiritual force, upon the world to counteract that fear and that disaster. We know that one impulse of grace is of infinitely more power than a cobalt bomb. Therese has said, “All is grace.”

She declared, “I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.” “I will raise up a mighty host of little saints.” “My mission is to make God loved, to make Love loved.” (Day, n.d.)

We contemplate the image and vision of our mission in the texts today and seek the fortitude of the Spirit to inspire our persistence as disciples on the Way.

References

Day, D. (n.d.). A Saint for the Masses. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-saint-for-the-masses/ 

Job, BOOK of JOB | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/19?21 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?1 

Meditation on Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14. (2026, October 1). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/01/1685601/ 

Morse, E. (2026, October 1). Daily Reflection October 1, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-1-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Kingdom of God Has Come near to You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 1, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/