Today’s gospel is from Matthew and has an interesting verse: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” How should we understand these words? A good place to start is the immediate context.

On the whole, Matthew 18 is a discourse about humility, care for the “little ones,” and reconciliation within the community of believers. In verses 1–5, Jesus identifies “the greatest” in the kingdom as one who humbles themselves like a child. Verses 6–9 warn against causing these “little ones” to stumble.   

This raises an intermediate question: how are we to take the meaning of “little ones”? The options are likely either literal children, who exemplify trust and dependence or spiritually humble disciples, who, like children, rely on God. Most scripture scholars offer that Matthew intends both senses—beginning with literal children, then broadening to include all vulnerable believers. Verse 10, then, is a direct call not to despise (Greek: kataphronēsēte, meaning “look down upon, treat with contempt”) the humble or vulnerable believers symbolized by children.

The most discussed part of the verse is “their angels in heaven.”

As you might expect the interpretations include speculation on Guardian Angels. Certainly there is Church tradition supporting the idea that each believer has a specific angel assigned for protection (cf. Ps 91:11 – “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go”; Acts 12:15). These angels “always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” is understood to mean that the Guardian Angels have direct access to God and can advocate for the people they guard.

There are scholars that argue for angelic guardianship that is communal. In this understanding “their angels” means not individual guardians but the heavenly representatives of God’s people—like the “prince” angels of nations in Daniel 10. The imagery emphasizes their dignity and heavenly protection, not necessarily a one-to-one guardian assignment.

Remembering that Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish audience, contemporary Jewish thought often portrayed angels as intermediaries between God and His people, charged with recording deeds or representing individuals before God’s throne. Matthew could be drawing on that tradition to stress divine concern.

The final part of the verse is “…always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” In biblical imagery, “looking upon the face” of a king means having audience and favor (cf. Esther 1:14). Applied to angels, it means they are in God’s immediate presence and therefore can swiftly carry petitions or grievances. The implication may be that mistreating a humble believer is serious, because their heavenly advocates are in God’s royal court. 

The early Church Fathers (Origen, Jerome, Chrysostom, Augustine, etc.) strongly supported the idea of a personal guardian angel. By the medieval period, this was seen as settled teaching – as seen in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. By the late Middle Ages, the Church had incorporated the guardian angel belief into prayers and devotional life. The Guardian Angel Prayer emerged in popular piety. As well, local feasts in honor of guardian angels existed by the 15th century, especially in Spain and Portugal. In 1608 Pope Paul V approved the celebration of a feast of the Guardian Angels for Spain and Portugal. In 1670  Pope Clement X extended it to the universal Church, fixing it on October 2, the day after the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Readings for the feast included Matthew 18:1–10, keeping the connection explicit.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, §336 cites Matthew 18:10 and affirms that “from the very beginning of his existence, each human being is entrusted to the guardianship of an angel.” The Catechism (§336) emphasizes that angels are spiritual beings who serve as messengers of God. They are not merely symbols of divine presence but are real entities with intellect and will. The role of guardian angels is not only to protect but also to guide individuals towards a deeper relationship with God.

In addition to their protective role, guardian angels are also seen as intercessors. They can assist individuals in their prayers and help them to grow in virtue. The Catechism encourages the faithful to cultivate a relationship with their guardian angel, suggesting that one can pray to their angel for guidance and support in their daily lives.

The Church’s teachings on guardian angels are grounded in the belief that God cares for each person individually and desires to provide them with the necessary support for their spiritual and moral development. This belief is further reinforced by the acknowledgment that angels rejoice over the salvation of souls.

In a homily on the feast day Pope Francis offered that “our guardian angel is our companion who brings us the Lord’s presence and must not be treated like a myth.” Good advice.

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