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April 1

The Angel of Righteousness

The Shepherd of Hermas, a second-century Christian writer, described a vision of a man with two angels — an angel of righteousness and an angel of iniquity. The man asks the Shepherd, “How, sir, am I to know the powers of these, for both angels dwell with me?” “Hear,” said the Shepherd, “and understand them. The angel of righteousness is gentle and modest, meek and peaceful. When, therefore, he ascends into your heart, immediately he talks to you of righteousness, purity, chastity, contentment, and of every righteous deed and glorious virtue. These are the deeds of the angel of righteousness. Trust him and his works.”⁸⁵

Today, take time to meditate on the Shepherd’s advice: When you trust the angel of righteousness, and do his works, you live in God. Furthermore, if you refuse to do the works of the angel of iniquity, you will live in God.

April 2

The Angel of Repentance

The Shepherd of Hermas used a common image of wine jugs to warn Christians about the devil. As this ancient story goes, a man filled good wine jars with good wine, but left a few jars empty. Later, he didn’t look at the full jars because he knew they were full. But he did look at the empty jars because he feared they had become sour. If they become sour, they can’t be used for good wine. Similarly, the Shepherd explained, the devil goes to the servants of God to try them. Those who are full of faith can resist him. So, he withdraws, having no way to enter them. Then the devil goes and enters the empty jars. He produces whatever he wishes in them, and they become his servants.

But I, the angel of repentance, say to you, “Fear not the devil; for I was sent to be with you who repent with all your heart, and to make you strong in faith. Trust God, then.” ⁸⁶

April 3

An Angel of Consolation

It is easy to read familiar Scripture stories quickly and superficially. Instead, take a deep breath and then read this familiar story slowly, letting each word live within you: After eating the Passover Meal together, Jesus and his disciples went out, as they often did, to an olive grove called Gethsemane. There, knowing what was going to happen that same evening, Jesus told them to pray that they would not be tested beyond their limit. Jesus himself then withdrew about a stone’s throw from them and, falling to his knees on the rocky ground, opened his heart to his heavenly Father. “Do not have me drink this cup of suffering,” he prayed, “yet, not my will but yours be done.” He was in such agony and his prayer was so intense that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. And his Father, with infinite love, sent a consoling angel to strengthen him in his passion and death. (Based on Luke 22:39–44.)

Father, it is not possible for me to imagine the tremendous love that compelled Jesus to accept the cross for our sake. It is even harder to fathom the love required to sacrifice your only Son to atone for our sins. Strengthen my faith in your boundless love.

April 4

Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636)

The Essence of Angels

Saint Isidore, archbishop of Seville, Spain, was considered the most learned man of his time, and has been suggested as an appropriate patron saint for the Internet. Isidore had a vast collection of sources and he studied and wrote on a great variety of subjects. His major work Etymologies consisted of twenty books. In Book VII, Isidore reflected on the essence of angels:

Angels … announce the will of God to people. The word angel is the name of their function, not their nature. They are always spirits, but when they are sent, they are angels. Through artistic license, painters give them wings…. Just as in the fables of the poets, the angels are said to have wings because of their velocity. Where also the Holy Scriptures say: “Who walks upon wings of the wind” (Psalm 104:3).⁸⁷