Angels

Mixed feelings encompas me when I read or hear stories, myths, legends, and especially Angelology (the branch of theology that deals with angels) about angels. So often the emphasis is on angels being supernatural beings. I hear that medieval theologians argued over how many angels could dance on the heard of a pin. (Actually, it wasn’t how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, but how many angels can dance on the point of a needle—if that really makes any difference).

Perhaps it is the “supernatural” designation of angels that bothers me, since the meaning of the word “angel” through its translations from Hebrew, Greek, and Latin into English is simply “messenger.” An angel is a messenger—nothing more, nothing less. I suppose that one could add that an angel is a messenger “from God” or “sent by God,” which further defines angels in relation to us mortals. My point is: I have met numerous angels in my life and none were supernatural. All were very mortal and all did bring some of God’s love and grace into my life. Some folks have even told me that I am an angel, although I really prefer the designation that I am sometimes—but not always—saintly.

During the trauma—the details of which I shall omit—of this past week, I have had four angels come into my life. Each helped me in some significant way. Two were my relatives. (Yes, even one’s relatives can be angels at times). One was my clergy colleague and pastor. (Who, I suppose, is supposed to be angelic at times, even though he, like me, is not “that kind” of pastor). One was my friend. (To whom I have offered by saintly aid at times).

As angels bringing messages from God, they came to me when I was in hardship. None are supernatural; all brought God’s love and grace to me when I had a specific need. Rather than being supernatural beings, I see them as following Christ and his commandment as outlined in Matthew 25:31-46:

Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. ~ Matthew 25:34b-36 [NRSV]

I want to thank these four angels and introduce them to you. You will note that none have wings or halos and none are small enough to dance on the head of a pin or the point of a needle. Yet each is an angel, having this week brought God’s message of grace and love to me.

Katherine a.k.a. Pat, my mother

Rob, my son

Doug, my colleague & pastor

Tiffany, my friend