|
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the good question.
Everyone has a Guardian Angel, even non-Christians, whether they believe they have one or not.
Guardian Angels are suppose to protect us from both physical and spiritual harm with their primary goal being to protect us spiritually, for our salvation; but as you alluded to in your question:
- Why does it occasionally appear that they aren't protecting us?
- If someone wants to hurt us, why doesn't our Guardian Angel help prevent this from happening?
St. Thomas (Aquinas) would say that there is God's permissive will and God's providential will.
He would say because of God's permissive will, God permits evil events to happen to pull a greater good out of them. What that good is, in the long run, we can never know for sure.
God's providential will is God's desired activity in the world, done by Himself, as well as by all men and women of all backgrounds. The ultimate goal of God's providential will is the salvation of all mankind.
This posting should help clarify the issue. If it doesn't just follow-up with us.
You said:
- And, if each person doing the harm, has a Guardian Angel, why do they continue to do evil things to others?
Because the greatest gift that God has given both man and woman (free will) can also be used with dangerous consequences.
The Guardian Angel of a serial killer, has limited control over what he can do in getting the serial killer into Heaven. If the serial killer keeps freely choosing to kill people, the Guardian Angel ultimately can't stop him because the serial killer is making the choice, not his Guardian Angel.
When the serial killer passes from this life to his or her Particular Judgment, they are judged on their choices, not choices of their Guardian Angels.
Hope this helps.
Mike
|
