Introduction
The subject of angels has captivated the imagination of people for centuries, and the idea of celestial beings intervening in worldly affairs is as ancient as religion itself. Yet, it’s not every day that we hear claims of someone spotting an angel, let alone one on a white horse, fighting in a specific locale like Israel. Such a sighting, if true, would be deeply intriguing not just to the general public, but also to those of us in Catholic theological circles. So how should a Catholic respond to such claims? Is this a sign, a wonder, or something less miraculous?
To address this question, we’ll look at the Church’s teaching on angels, the significance of Israel in Christian thought, and how to approach reports of extraordinary phenomena.
What Does the Church Teach About Angels?
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of angelology—yes, that’s a word for the study of angels. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith” (CCC 328). Angels are messengers of God, and they serve His will.
Moreover, angels have appeared in situations of grave importance in the Scriptures. The angel Gabriel announced the birth of Christ to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). An angel ministered to Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Angels will accompany Christ at His Second Coming (Matthew 25:31).
However, it’s crucial to note that angels are spiritual beings, meaning they do not have physical bodies. They can assume forms that humans can perceive if God wills it, but they do not possess corporeality as humans do.
The Significance of Israel
Israel holds an important place in Christian tradition as the land of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. Moreover, the Old Testament is replete with the history and prophecies concerning Israel. However, the New Testament reveals that the people of God are not defined merely by ethnic or national boundaries but by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28). That said, events in Israel can still hold significance for Christians, though they are not seen as inherently or automatically revelatory.
Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence
Let’s consider the claim at hand: an angel on a white horse fighting in Israel. It’s an extraordinary claim that demands extraordinary evidence. The Church teaches that God can certainly perform miracles, but it also warns against “credulity,” or the readiness to believe things on insufficient grounds (CCC 2111).
Firstly, the sighting would need to be verified through rigorous means. In the case of apparitions and miracles, the Church usually performs an exhaustive investigation, sometimes taking years or decades to arrive at a conclusion. This process is not only theological but also often scientific, attempting to rule out all natural explanations for the observed phenomena.
The Role of Private Revelation
Even if the event is verified to be extraordinary, it would be considered a form of “private revelation.” The Catechism states: “Throughout the ages, there have been so-called ‘private’ revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith” (CCC 67). In other words, private revelations are not required belief for the faithful, nor do they add to or change the teachings of the Church.
Discerning the Authenticity
Before jumping to conclusions about angels on white horses in Israel or any other extraordinary claim, a level of discernment is required. St. Paul advises us to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
When claims of angels or miracles surface, they should be scrutinized in light of Scripture and Tradition. Do they lead people closer to Christ and His Church? Do they align with the teachings of the Church? Do they promote faith, hope, and charity?
Theological Opinion Vs. Universal Teaching
Up to this point, what has been discussed pertains to the universal teachings of the Church concerning angels, miracles, and private revelations. However, the interpretation of specific events—like the claimed sighting of an angel in Israel—is more often the realm of theological opinion rather than Church doctrine. Such events are subject to interpretation and discernment and do not carry the weight of universal Church teaching.
Conclusion
In sum, the Catholic Church provides a robust framework for understanding the realm of the spiritual, including angels. However, the claim that an angel on a white horse was seen fighting in Israel would need substantial evidence and Church scrutiny before it could be accepted even as a private revelation. Even then, it would not alter or add to the Church’s universal teachings. While the Church acknowledges the reality of the supernatural and the potential for miracles, it also calls for careful discernment, reminding the faithful that “the Christian faith is not a ‘religion of the book.’ Christianity is the religion of the ‘Word’ of God, a word which is ‘not a written and mute word, but the Word which is incarnate and living'” (CCC 108). Therefore, any extraordinary claims must be examined in light of their capacity to bring us closer to the living Word, Jesus Christ.