I went to Central Connecticut State University for college. I commuted during the day for classes and worked back in my hometown of East Windsor at the Prospect Hill Nursing Home, as it was named at the time, second shift, and as needed third shift to pay my way through school. Navigating through Interstates 84 and 91 traffic wasn’t always the easiest.
I was often told by many not to cut through the north end of Hartford to get to New Britain where Central was located. One day I was running late and the traffic on the highway was not helping matters so I diverted my course and headed through the north end and got a flat tire. I was not mugged, held at gun point, nor was my car stolen. I was helped without hesitation.
Did two angels come to my aid that day? Was my guardian angel moving the hearts of the two men that helped me? I don’t know, but I remembered moving from a place of rising frustration, then anxiety, to gratefulness within only a few minutes.
Those that helped me that day lived out today’s gospel without hesitation: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
The dynamic duo that came to my aid that day treated me like family, they received me as their little brother. Not only did they help me to get my tire back on in record time like any of the best pit crew guys at Nascar, they offered me something to eat and drink which I thanked them for but shared I was already late.
Whether they were angels or not, they acted like them. Each of us do have our own guardian angel, and thus why we celebrate them today. Mine may have been working with the guardian angels of the two men who helped me. It is good to ask our guardian angels for help for the little as well as the big things. That’s what they are there for, messengers of God sent specifically to help us in our times of need.
May we also have our hearts and minds open to be moved by our guardian angels so as to be there for each other and those we come across who are in need and let God happen!
Photo: Evening Rosary walk, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.
Spiritual Stepping Stones 