Topic:  Do angels exist?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: April 6, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Father John

Question:  I was having a conversation with a non-catholic friend the other day about Guardian Angels. He was basically saying he doesn't believe in them, because we don't need them if we have Christ. I told him I don't think we NEED them, but they are a gift to us, from Christ and in a sense almost an extension of him. Now I realize that this is not the most important belief and probably not even worth arguing. But, I am wondering if you know of any scripture or other resources that can explain (Not necessarily defend) Catholic's beliefs in Angels. Thanks, KATIE

Answer: 

Dear Katie,

Check out the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs #328 through #336. Yes, we as Catholics believe in angels, who are pure spirits, “messengers” of God. Angels are “in” today; you see them everywhere: jewelry, art work, posters, on T.V. (e.g. “Touched by an Angel”). Hopefully, we are ‘angels’ to each other.

We believe that there are “Guardian Angels” (not meaning tough guys who patrol subways and big city streets) who watch over us. But the Church does not teach that each person has his or her own private personal guardian angel, just that these angels do exist and are here to guide and protect us.

There are numerous biblical references to angels which the Church points to as supports for our belief in these spiritual beings, in the Old Testament, for example: Genesis 3:24 in the Garden of Eden; Genesis 19 and the story of Lot; Genesis 21:17 with Hagar; Genesis 22:11 with Abraham; Exodus 23:20-23; 1 Kings 19:5 with Elijah; Isaiah 6:6; Judges 13 all about the birth of Samson; Job 33: 23-24; and 38:7.

And, in the New Testament, for example: Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19; 4:11; 13:41; 18:10; 24:31; 25:31; 26:53; Mark 1:13; 16:5-7; Luke 1:11, 26; 2:14; 12:8-9; 16:22; 22:43; Acts of the Apostles 1:10-11; 5:18-20; 7:53; 8:26-29; 10:3-8; 12:6-11; 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:6,14; and Colossians 1:16, just to point out a few.

Your friend is correct to emphasize the centrality of Jesus; angels were created and exist in His service. They in no way detract from Jesus, but they give us earthly souls some help in living according to His word. And, we need all the help we can get!

Father John