There are nine groups, or "choirs," of angels. The highest choir, the Seraphim, are believed to be nearest the Throne of God, loving, praising and glorifying Him ceaselessly. After the Seraphim follow the other eight choirs: Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
The Tradition of the Church teaches that Guardian Angels are taken from the Angel choir, and, in certain cases, the Archangel choir. These angels are at the lower end of the ranking not because they love God any less, but because they are in more direct contact with human beings and other visible works of creation.
During this resolution-making first week of January, we are reminded that not only do we all have our own place and duties, but that there's also always room for improvement.
The angels have no such weaknesses. They have their assigned jobs and do them quite well . . . okay, perfectly. So who better to ask for help in keeping our resolutions for the new year? Our angels, of course. In fact, maybe we should make that one of our top resolutions: Pray to the angels more! Sure, they have plenty of other stuff to do, but I think it's safe to say they can handle multitasking.
As Mother Angelica says in her inimitable style: "[The angels] all have specific works to do. They are not just dilly-dallying up there."
Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and productive 2012! Remember, no dilly-dallying.
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