Section XVI: The Angels are not to be Invoked, § 74
SECTION XVI: WHETHER THE ANGELS SHOULD BE INVOKED
§ 74. The many great benefactions of the angels toward us are apparent. Should we, then, pay them honor by invoking them? By no means. In Rev. 19:10, John was about to worship the angel but received this response: “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and all who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” The same thing is repeated in Rev. 22:9, when the apostle had a relapse and again wanted to show the angel the honor of invocation. Moreover, in those words not only is a clear prohibition set forth but also the reasons for that prohibition: (1) The angels are fellow servants with us, and likewise are creatures. (2) The honor of worship is owed to God alone. Angel worship was condemned in the early church under the name “Angelics.” (See Augustine, De haeres., ch. 39.) Yet we must not set up the angels as our mediators either. (See Chrysostom about this error, on Colossians, homily 7.) Consequently, let us exile that little prayer from ourselves: “O angel who art my guardian, by your fatherly affection preserve, defend, and guide me, for I am entrusted to your care.”