Gospel: John 1: 47-51
Jesus makes an unusual reference in this Gospel portion, stating that the disciples will see angels descending on the Son of Man. Yet, in all the Gospels only two references exist where angels come to be with Jesus. The first is in the desert after his struggle with the devil; the second is in the Garden where he prays for strength prior to his arrest. Neither event was actually witnessed by anyone. Neither one is recorded in John's Gospel where we have this reference.
It is significant, however, that these references to angels coming to help Jesus take place as bookends - at the beginning and end of Jesus' ministry. They both occur at times when Jesus is in a moment of great need. In the desert he has been tormented by hunger and the assaults of the devil. In the Garden he struggles for strength to endure what is to come. Angels come to provide comfort by their presence in these times of need.
Perhaps the lesson of today's feast is that we might undertake this role of an angel in our world. Countless people need a supportive presence in their lives in times of great need: people in hospitals, assisted living facilities, prisons, homeless shelters, refugee havens, schools where children face great challenges. Perhaps today's feast is a day for us to discern how God is calling us to serve as angels, as supportive presence, in a world ravaged by cruelty, indifference, and neglect.
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