Introduction
Guardian angels are a beautiful concept within Catholic teaching. They are heavenly messengers assigned to protect and guide us throughout our lives. But what if the presence of these guardian angels is more personal and palpable than we think? What if your best friend is showing signs that they are, in fact, your guardian angel in disguise?
Before we go further, let’s clarify that the idea that a human person could be your guardian angel is more of a poetic expression or metaphor rather than a theological statement. According to Catholic teaching, guardian angels are purely spiritual beings created by God, distinct from human beings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures” (CCC 329).
Still, it’s intriguing to consider the ways in which a human friend might echo the characteristics traditionally attributed to guardian angels. While this article entertains this poetic notion, keep in mind that it doesn’t propose to alter the Church’s teachings on angels.
Unconditional Love and Support
They’re Always There For You
One of the key roles of a guardian angel is to be with you, guiding and protecting you. In the same way, a best friend who might be like a guardian angel is always there, ready to help you in times of need. “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14).
They Accept You As You Are
A true best friend, much like a guardian angel, loves you unconditionally. They accept you for who you are without judgment. This is similar to the love God shows us, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Spiritual Guidance
They Help You In Your Spiritual Journey
Your best friend encourages you to grow spiritually, maybe even leading you back when you stray from your faith. This is reminiscent of how guardian angels function, as the Catechism says, “From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession” (CCC 336).
They Remind You To Pray
Just as guardian angels are said to be constantly in prayer for you, a best friend reminding you of the importance of prayer is a beautiful sign. “Pray without ceasing,” says 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Selflessness
They Put Your Needs Above Their Own
Angels are selfless beings who exist to serve God and others. If your best friend regularly puts your needs above their own, they’re showing a type of selflessness that is angelic in nature.
Honesty and Truthfulness
They Are Honest Even When It’s Hard
Guardian angels, as messengers of God, are pure and cannot lie. In the same way, a best friend who is brutally honest with you, especially when it’s difficult, is showing an angelic quality. The Bible says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
Encouragement and Comfort
They Lift You Up During Your Lowest Moments
Guardian angels are there to comfort and encourage us. Similarly, if your friend is there during your lowest moments to lift you up, they are displaying a very angel-like quality.
Mirroring Virtue
They Inspire You To Be A Better Person
The role of angels is not just to serve us, but also to lead us toward God. If your best friend inspires you to be virtuous and to grow closer to God, they are doing something very angelic indeed.
Confidentiality
They Keep Your Secrets Safe
Trust is a sacred thing. Just as you can confide in your guardian angel through prayer, a best friend who keeps your secrets safe is demonstrating an angel-like trustworthiness.
They Always Seem To Know What You Need
Guardian angels, being spiritual beings, have an intuitive understanding of God’s will. If your best friend always seems to know what you need—even before you say anything—that’s another sign.
They Make Sacrifices For You
Angels are known to go to great lengths to fulfill their duties. If your best friend makes sacrifices for your well-being, it’s a compelling sign of their angel-like nature.
They Bring You Peace
Lastly, guardian angels are beings of peace. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). If the presence of your best friend brings you peace, it’s worth considering them as angel-like.
Conclusion
Though Catholic teaching clearly distinguishes between humans and angels, there’s a poetic beauty in considering how your best friend might reflect the qualities of a guardian angel. It helps us appreciate the profound impact of friendship and the heavenly nature of love and selflessness. While your best friend may not literally be a guardian angel, these signs might just show that they’re the closest thing to it in this earthly life.