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110. The Action of Angels on Bodies

1. Superior rules inferior; hence angels rule the bodilyworld. St. Gregory says that in this visible world nothing occurswithout the agency of invisible creatures.

2. Angels, however, have not power to produce or transformbodies at will. God alone gives first existence to things; afterfirst creation, bodies come from bodies. But angels can stir bodilyagencies to produce change in bodies.

3. Angels can directly control the local movement ofbodies, for this is an accidental change in bodies, not asubstantial production of bodies nor a substantial change.

4. Angels cannot, of themselves, work miracles. Amiracle, by definition, is a work proper to God alone. Of course,angels can serve, even as holy men may serve, as ministers orinstruments in the performing of miracles. Angels, good or bad, cando wonderful things, but only such as lie within the power ofangelic nature, and a miracle surpasses the powers of all creatednatures.

"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself. "
Thomas á Kempis

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"God looks neither at long nor beautiful prayers, but at those that come from the heart."
The Cure D'Ars

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"To do God's will -- this was the goal upon which the saints constantly fixed their gaze. They were fully persuaded that in this consists the entire perfection of the soul. "
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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