In our modern world, where everyone carries a camera in their pocket and social media provides a platform to share miraculous stories, claims of capturing heavenly angels on camera have become increasingly common. These videos and photos often go viral and ignite impassioned discussions about the existence and nature of angels. As a Catholic scholar, I want to unpack this fascinating subject in light of what the Catholic Church teaches, drawing upon Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
What Does The Catholic Church Say About Angels?
Before we dive into the phenomenon of “angels caught on camera,” it’s important to establish what the Church actually teaches about angels. According to the Catechism, angels are “spiritual, non-corporeal beings” who are “personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.” (CCC 330)
This means that angels don’t have physical bodies like humans do. They are entirely spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and to accomplish His will. In Scripture, angels frequently act as messengers of God. For instance, in the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). Angels are also described as protectors and guides for human beings. The Book of Psalms states, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).
Can Angels Appear In Physical Form?
While angels don’t have bodies, the Bible does contain instances where angels took on visible forms to interact with humans. A classic example is when three men (who are understood to be angels, or even a pre-incarnate appearance of God Himself and two angels) visited Abraham in Genesis 18. Another instance is when an angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-14).
So, while it’s possible for angels to appear in a form that humans can perceive, these are extraordinary events intended to serve specific, divine purposes. It’s not the everyday modus operandi for angels.
Angels on Camera: Miracle or Mischief?
Given that angels are non-corporeal and generally invisible to the human eye, the claim that they’ve been caught on camera invites scrutiny. However, it’s not impossible according to Catholic teaching, which allows for extraordinary occurrences for divine purposes. The Church has always been cautious in confirming miraculous events, often conducting rigorous investigations before deeming any apparition or miracle as “worthy of belief.”
So, are these supposed ‘angelic sightings’ real? They could be, but there’s also a strong possibility that they’re not. They could be explained by natural phenomena, technical glitches, or even hoaxes. The Catholic Church does not rush to validate these claims without thorough investigation.
The Importance of Discernment
The New Testament urges Christians to test the spirits to determine if they are from God (1 John 4:1). This is especially relevant when we encounter extraordinary claims like angels caught on camera. Discernment—a form of spiritual wisdom—is crucial for determining the truth of these matters. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to examine the evidence critically, taking into consideration both the teachings of the Church and the context in which the alleged sighting took place.
The Role of Faith
While it might be comforting or exciting to think that an angelic figure caught on camera confirms the reality of heavenly beings, our faith as Catholics should not hinge on such phenomena. Instead, our faith rests on the teachings of the Church, the sacraments, and the person of Jesus Christ.
The Church teaches that “Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief because he is truth itself” (CCC 1814). Our belief in angels is not primarily based on extraordinary signs or wonders but on the deposit of faith—the Scripture and Tradition of the Catholic Church.
Conclusion
So, are these heavenly angels caught on camera real? The Catholic Church teaches that angels are spiritual beings without physical forms. While they can take on a visible appearance for specific divine missions, capturing them on camera would be extraordinary and not the norm. Therefore, while it’s possible that these sightings are real, discernment and investigation are necessary.
Our faith doesn’t depend on viral videos or miraculous claims but on the eternal truths revealed by God through His Church. Whether or not these angels caught on camera are genuine, what’s more important is the role that angels—real, spiritual beings—play in God’s plan for our salvation and how we can grow in our understanding of the spiritual realm through the teachings of the Church.