At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Somewhere along the way to adulthood, it is easy to outgrow the simple faith of our youth. As children, we readily recited the "Angel of God" prayer, entirely convinced of our heavenly helper. Years later, we tend to rely strictly on our own logic and strength. But the Gospel calls us to turn and become like children again. Consider the moments when your conscience quietly corrected you, the near misses when you were delivered from danger, or the days when you received an unexplained strength to keep going. The Holy Trinity is always present, but let's not forget the quiet mechanics of God's love: your Guardian Angel is actively lighting, guarding, ruling, and guiding your way.

—Danny Monistere is a member of the Board of Trustees for Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, TX. He is a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Chinese Parish in Plano, TX.

Prayer to my Guardian Angel 

Faithful guardian of my soul, 

When at last I lay aside these mortal garments, and my spirit rushes toward the infinite mystery of my Creator, remain beside me. 

As you have walked with me through every joy and sorrow of this earthly life, accompany me on this final pilgrimage. Present my soul to the Lord whose face I have longed to behold. 

Lead me through that undiscovered country where fear gives way to perfect love, where faith becomes sight, and where every longing finds its fulfillment in the embrace of God. 

Quiet the lingering doubts born of my mortal weakness. Do not let me cling to the measure of what I have earned, but open my heart to the immeasurable gift of divine mercy. 

Remind me that I come not as one who has achieved perfection, but as the created, forever drawn to the Creator; a soul made for communion, yearning to become one with the Love from which it first came. Let us complete the journey from the finite to the eternal, from the physical to the ethereal, from time into everlasting life. 

Let us sway to the harmony that gives voice to the galaxies. Let us bask forever in the radiance of an unending sunrise, where every shadow is consumed by light, and every breath becomes praise. 

—Danny Monistere