We have in Holy Scripture many sayings of the Holy Angels recorded for our benefit. What is it that we notice as most prominent in the words they utter?

They always seek to encourage the friends of God. "Peace be to you, fear not," are the words of St. Raphael to Tobias. "Fear not, Daniel," are the words of St. Gabriel to the Prophet. "Fear not, Mary," says the same Archangel to Our Lady. If the Angels always give such counsel, why should I fear? I will take courage, and I, too, will seek to encourage others after the manner of the Holy Angels.

They always attribute all to God, and are careful to declare that it is God who sends them on their missions to men. St. Gabriel's last word to Tobias is: "Bless ye the Lord." The song taught by the Angel to the three young men in the fiery furnace is: Benedicite. Is this spirit of gratitude and dependence the spirit that pervades my prayers?

When, too, they execute God's messages of wrath, they always do so in God's name, and not their own. Even in his contest with Satan we are told that St. Michael said: "The Lord rebuke thee." They are careful to express their dependence on God, and to refer their actions to Him as their primary Cause. If I wish to be like the Angels, I must speak as God inspires me, not according to my own desires.