Jesus inherited from his Jewish roots a belief in the presence of angels — a hierarchy of created, spiritual beings above humanity as diverse as the rest of creation below humanity . The feast of the Guardian Angels testifies to the Catholic understanding that God has assigned to each individual a special spiritual protection. In our more materialistic understanding of the world there doesn’t seem to be room for spiritual beings. However, I think most of us can testify to a time when we have felt a presence which keep us safe from harm. Remember the old prayer: 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.