The Nature of Angels

Before the foundation of the world, before the first human was formed from the dust of the earth, God created the angels. These magnificent beings were brought into existence by His divine will, not from material elements, but as pure spirits, without physical form. Unlike humans, who are bound by flesh and time, angels exist in a state of eternal spirit, never aging, never dying, and never ceasing to serve the Almighty.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 328) affirms this truth:

"The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition."

Saint Thomas Aquinas, known as the Angelic Doctor, teaches in the Summa Theologica (I, Q. 50-64) that angels are pure intellect and will. They possess extraordinary knowledge and wisdom, not through human-like reasoning, but through direct infusion from God. Their thoughts do not unfold in a process like ours but occur in an instantaneous grasp of divine truth.

Since angels are spiritual beings, they are not limited by physical constraints. They do not eat, sleep, or reproduce like humans. Instead, their entire existence is dedicated to knowing, loving, and serving God.

Jesus affirms their immaterial nature in Luke 20:36, saying:

"They can no longer die; for they are like the angels."

Unlike humans, who grow in understanding and virtue over time, angels do not change once their wills have been set. The moment of their creation was also the moment of their testing. Those who chose to serve God remained in eternal glory, while those who rebelled—led by Lucifer, the fallen angel—were cast into damnation forever (Revelation 12:7-9).

Saint Augustine describes this moment of angelic choice in City of God (Book XI, Ch. 13):

"Some of the angels, by sinning, fell from the spiritual heaven; others, by standing in the truth, became the holy angels, and received in reward for their fidelity that blessedness which could not be lost."

Thus, the good angels now exist in an eternal state of grace, fixed forever in the divine presence.

One of the most fascinating aspects of angelology is that angels are not a single uniform group. From the earliest centuries, theologians like St. Dionysius the Areopagite have taught that angels exist in a structured hierarchy, divided into nine choirs. This structure is not arbitrary; it reflects the divine order and purpose assigned to each angelic being.

The nine choirs of angels are classified into three main spheres:

1. Those who stand before the throne of God (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones).
2. Those who govern the universe (Dominions, Virtues, Powers).
3. Those who interact directly with humanity (Principalities, Archangels, Angels).

Saint Gregory the Great wrote in Homilies on the Gospels (Hom. 34, 8):

"We know on the authority of Scripture that there are nine orders of angels: Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim."

Each order has a specific role in the governance of creation and the execution of God's divine will.

The Bible is filled with references to angels, confirming their spiritual nature and divine mission:

• Psalm 103:20 – "Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who carry out His word."
• Hebrews 1:14 – "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
• Daniel 10:12-13 – Depicts angels as warriors and messengers, influencing earthly events.
• Matthew 28:2-3 – An angel appears at Jesus' resurrection, described with blazing glory.

Understanding the nature of angels should fill us with awe and gratitude. These celestial beings, created by God in pure holiness, serve not only in the divine court but also as guardians, warriors, and messengers for us. We are never alone, for the angels continually watch over us, guiding us toward Heaven.

Saint Padre Pio once said:

"Have great devotion to your Guardian Angel. How consoling it is to know that we always have someone at our side to support us in moments of struggle!"

Let us then live with confidence, knowing that these heavenly spirits—who never die, never sleep, and never cease their praise—are ever present, leading us toward eternal union with God.

The angels, as pure spirits of intellect and will, are among God’s greatest creations. They exist to glorify Him and assist humanity on the path to salvation. As we navigate life’s journey, let us call upon these holy messengers, trusting in their divine protection and guidance.

May we always remember: Heaven is alive with the presence of angels, and they are always with us.