Angels among Us – July 7
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Acts 10:1-16; Luke 24:12-35
In Acts 10 and Luke 24, we read of human brushes with angels.
A centurion named Cornelius has a vision in which he clearly sees an angel coming toward him and it calls him by name and gives him direction: ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.’ (Acts 10:4-6) Cornelius obeys, in a story that is unfurled more in the following verses in chapter 10. Because of the angel’s intercession, Cornelius and three others heard Peter share the Good News and they were baptized. The angel’s message opened the door to a more robust encounter with the Divine.
After the death (and unbeknownst resurrection) of Jesus, two of his followers were walking on the road to Emmaus. Jesus began walking alongside them, though their eyes were prevented from seeing it was truly the Christ. He asked them what they were talking about. They unfurled the happenings of late, retelling of the death of Jesus and odd happenings in the wake of the Nazorean’s burial:
“Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” (Luke 24:22-24)
Jesus calls them foolish for not understanding all that was going on, and then talks through the story of Israel as God’s people – retelling the scriptures and interpreting the scriptures that had foretold Jesus’ ministry and sacrifice. When they reached Emmaus, it looked as if the “stranger” (Jesus) was going elsewhere, but they convinced him to join them. In Luke’s account, we read:
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:30-32)
Though they had just wrapped up a long walk to Emmaus, the two headed back to Jerusalem at once to tell Jesus’ inner circle and others of their brush with the risen Lord.
Reading these scriptural accounts of angelic interactions (and brushes with the risen Christ), I think about the power of divine revelation. I am struck by how God’s gift of angels upon our journey is fleeting, surprising, and yet powerful in bringing us to deeper understanding of the Lord’s involvement in our lives. The song that keeps bubbling up in my mind this morning is “Angels among Us”, recorded in the early 1990s by the country band Alabama. Those angels among us might help us find our way on a foggy night. Those angels among us might be the medical team bringing us strength and encouragement after a terrible injury. Those angels among us might be the words of assurance in our darkest hours, when it feels that all is lost.
If you find yourself in need and are calling out in sadness, talk to a friend. Reach out to your clergy at Saint Stephen’s. Know that you are loved by God and that you are not alone.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
When you think of stories of angels, what comes to mind? What does the term "angelic" mean to you?
Who is a messenger of God's love in your life?
Daily Challenge
In Acts, Cornelius the centurion was a prayerful soldier. An angel came to him in a vision after his fervent prayers to God and his disciplined giving to the church to help those in need.
Take time this week to pray like Cornelius - pray that God will open your eyes to where you are needed. Give like Cornelius, giving alms to the church to help those who are hungry, suffering, and in a dire time.