📖 Readings for October 2, 2025
First Reading – Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12
The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate, and they called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Moses … Ezra read plainly from the scroll, interpreting it so all could understand what was read. Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them. USCCB+1
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. Catholic Gallery
Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10
The disciples approached Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” He called a child over, placed him in their midst, and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom. And whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” USCCB+1
Verse of the Day
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” — Matthew 18:10
Reflection
I. Introduction
On this Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, we are reminded that we do not journey alone. The invisible realm is alive with God’s messengers, guardians assigned to watch over our souls. The readings today call us to humility, attentive listening, childlike trust, and awareness of God’s protective presence.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Matthew 18, Jesus challenges His disciples’ understanding of greatness. He uses the image of a child—humble, trusting, vulnerable—as the model for entering God’s kingdom. He also reveals that even the “little ones” are under the care of angels, whose gaze is on our Father in heaven.
The message is twofold: we must become humble and childlike in heart, and we must live in awareness that God’s angels accompany us, seeing us and safeguarding us.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility & Protection
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Nehemiah 8 shows how the people, moved by God’s word, responded with joy and unity. They listened attentively and acted together. Their humility in hearing God’s law allowed transformation.
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Psalm 19 affirms the perfection and clarity of God’s precepts—they enlighten the heart when we humbly receive them.
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The Gospel builds on this: humility and receptivity open us to God’s truth, and God’s angels accompany us in that journey.
IV. Reflections
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How often do we act as though we are alone, forgetting that the angels watch over us? Their presence is a gift of God’s care and a reminder of our dignity.
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Humility is not weakness. To become like children is to trust, to depend, to be open to wonder and protection.
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If even “little ones” have angels before God, how much more do we—that God would appoint heavenly guardians for our care! Let this truth bolster our confidence in God’s love and sovereignty.
V. Practical Applications
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Invoke your guardian angel daily — ask for guidance, protection, and wisdom in your decisions and actions.
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Live with humility — let go of pride; treat others, especially the small and vulnerable, with care and respect.
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Hear attentively God’s Word — make time to read Scripture slowly with openness, like the people in Nehemiah who listened until midday.
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Be childlike in trust — when fear comes, remember that you are not alone, that heaven watches you through the angels.
VI. Conclusion
The Feast of the Guardian Angels is a beautiful reminder that we are never abandoned. Angels of God accompany us, guard us, and draw our hearts toward heaven. Our task is to respond with humility, trust, and openness to God’s Word. May we walk this day knowing that heaven is near, and that God’s messengers stand with us.
Morning Prayer for All Readers and Followers
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts for this new day. Bless each of my readers and followers, Lord. Grant them strength for their work, peace for their hearts, and joy for their spirit. Protect them and their families from harm, and fill their lives with Your abundant love.
As we journey through this day, help us to be kind, patient, and faithful. May we become instruments of Your light to others. We entrust everything into Your loving hands.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer to Our Guardian Angel 👼
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
