Introduction
In the spiritual life, angels are often seen as messengers and protectors, guiding and helping us on our journey towards God. However, not all angels serve the Almighty. Some have fallen from grace and seek to lead souls away from God. As Catholics, it’s crucial to discern the nature and purpose of the spiritual beings we call upon for help. This article aims to clarify which angels one should never pray to if one is genuinely committed to following Catholic teachings.
Understanding Angels in Catholic Doctrine
The Catholic Church teaches that angels are spiritual beings created by God. These angels serve Him and help carry out His divine plan. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures” (CCC 350). It’s a universal teaching of the Church that angels exist and have specific roles to play in the spiritual realm and in human lives.
The Good Angels
The “good” angels are those who chose to serve God and stayed loyal to Him. Their purpose is to carry out God’s will and to help human beings on their journey to eternal life. For instance, in the Bible, the Angel Gabriel serves as a messenger, revealing God’s plan to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Guardian angels are another example, sent by God to guide and protect individual souls. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).
The Fallen Angels
Fallen angels, often called demons, are angels who rejected God and His divine plan. They were cast out of heaven and now work against God’s plans by tempting humans to sin. The Catechism notes, “Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan” (CCC 414).
Who Not to Pray To
The Devil and Demons
It should go without saying, but as Catholics, we should never pray to the devil or any demons. Doing so is a grave sin that offends God and can lead to eternal separation from Him. In the words of Jesus, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10).
Angels Not Recognized by the Church
Some traditions and practices involve invoking angels that are not recognized by the Catholic Church. While these entities might seem benign or even helpful, we cannot be sure of their true nature or intentions. The Church teaches that if the being is not explicitly mentioned in sacred scripture or in the authoritative teaching of the Church, we should not invoke or pray to it.
Ancestor Spirits and Angelic Counterfeits
Some cultures encourage praying to ancestor spirits or entities considered to be angels but are not recognized as such by the Church. Since these beings don’t come from God, they can’t lead us to Him. As St. Paul warns, “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
The Dangers of Misdirected Prayer
Confusion and Deception
Praying to beings other than God or the angels recognized by the Church can lead to spiritual confusion and deception. Invoking unknown or fallen spirits might yield immediate results, but these are likely to lead one away from God in the long run.
Risk of Occult Practices
There’s also the danger of stepping into the realm of occult practices. Occult practices are strictly prohibited by the Church, as they can be channels for demonic activity. The Catechism is clear on this: “All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others – even if this were for the sake of restoring their health – are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion” (CCC 2117).
A Break in Communion with the Church
Engaging in prayers to entities not recognized by the Church could signify a break in communion with her teachings. This could place one’s soul in a precarious situation and lead to a distancing from God’s grace.
How to Ensure Safe and Orthodox Prayer
Consult the Church’s Teachings
If you’re unsure whether an angelic entity is safe to pray to, consult the Church’s teachings, speak to a priest, or refer to the Bible and the Catechism.
Stick to Approved Prayers
The safest way to ensure that your prayers are directed appropriately is to stick with prayers approved by the Church. Such prayers have been scrutinized to ensure they align with Catholic theology and are free from error.
Keep Your Eyes on Christ
The end goal of any Catholic’s life should be a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. As St. Paul says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
Conclusion
While angels serve as messengers and protectors, guiding us on our journey towards eternal life, we must be cautious about which spiritual beings we invoke. Stick to praying to God, the saints, and the angels officially recognized by the Church. In doing so, you’ll ensure that your spiritual practices are safe, orthodox, and directed towards the ultimate goal of union with God.