03_Angelic Hierarchy

We know from the Bible that angels are a heavenly army called the "heavenly hosts" (host means army), and are organized into ranks, choirs or divisions, that make up the angelic hierarchy. In this episode we learn the names and tasks of each division and probe what the Bible says about each division. 

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L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)



O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

St. Thomas Aquinas says that humans can be equal to angels by grace and can ascend the angelic hierarchy according to the merits we receive in cooperating with grace (see link below in show notes). Our Lady, Queen of Angels (Rev 12:1 ff), is an example of such a grace. If that's true, does it inspire you to sin less and sacrifice more? What are your thoughts about that?

V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.

E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Holy Archangels, pray for us. All you Holy Angels, pray for us. Angel of God, guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. +

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What We Discussed | Show Notes

John of Damascus, An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book II Chapters 3-4

Catholic Encyclopedia, Angels

St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part Question 108

Overview:

Minutes 00:00-12:00 –  angelic governance of the world's elements and weather; biblical examples; humans can be equal to angels by grace (Aquinas, ST. I. q. 108 a. 8)

Minutes 12:01-24:00 – three hierarchies and nine choirs of angels; divisions or hierarchy as a topic; hierarchy of angels and their inequality; what inequality means for angels and us; first division or hierarchy: seraphim, cherubim

Minutes 24:01-36:00 – (cont.) first division or hierarchy: seraphim, cherubim, thrones; second hierarchy: dominions, virtues, powers

Minutes 36:01-48:00 – third or lowest hierarchy: principalities, archangels, and angels (guardian angels); can we name our guardian angels and/or know their names?

Transcript

Click here for a transcript of the show.