ALL SAINTS: How Angels Influence the Natural World: Heavenly Stewards of Creation

Angels are not only messengers of God and guardians of human souls, but they also play a profound role in the governance of the natural world. In Catholic tradition, angels serve as invisible stewards of creation, assisting in the divine order of the universe. From controlling the elements to guiding the movement of celestial bodies, their presence ensures that all of nature functions according to God’s perfect will.

1. Angels as Instruments of Divine Providence

Angels are not bound by physical limitations, but they act upon the world in accordance with divine providence. God, as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, governs all things through His will, and angels serve as His heavenly ministers to carry out His designs.

A. Guardians of the Natural Order

Catholic tradition holds that certain choirs of angels—particularly the Virtues and Dominions—are responsible for maintaining the laws of nature.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologica, explains that angels influence the movements of the stars, the elements, and even the weather.
Angels ensure the stability of creation, preserving harmony in the cosmos according to God’s plan.

B. Angels and the Seasons

The changing of the seasons, the cycle of life, and even the blooming of flowers can be seen as mystical reflections of angelic guidance.
Ancient Christian tradition speaks of angels as the forces behind rain, wind, and fire, ensuring the world functions as God intended.
The Book of Revelation describes angels controlling the four winds (Revelation 7:1), symbolizing their role in nature’s movement.

2. Angels in the Elements: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth

Throughout Sacred Scripture and Catholic mysticism, angels are linked with the elements, often acting as divine agents of nature’s forces.

A. Fire: The Burning Presence of Angels

Angels are often associated with fire, representing God’s power, purification, and divine presence.
The Seraphim, the highest order of angels, are known as the "Burning Ones," reflecting their fiery love for God.
The burning bush encountered by Moses (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire that led the Israelites (Exodus 13:21) are traditionally believed to be angelic manifestations.

B. Water: Angels as Guardians of Oceans and Rivers

In Catholic thought, angels are seen as protectors of the seas, rivers, and springs.
The Archangel Raphael is associated with water, as seen in the Book of Tobit, where he guided Tobias across a river and revealed the healing properties of fish.
Revelation 16:5 speaks of the angel of the waters, showing their role in purifying and sustaining creation.

C. Wind: Messengers of God’s Voice

The movement of the wind is often seen as a sign of the presence of angels and the Holy Spirit.
In Daniel 7:2, angels stir up the great winds of Heaven, symbolizing their role in divine intervention.
Many saints, such as St. Francis of Assisi, saw the wind as a mystical reflection of angelic activity.

D. Earth: Angels Guiding the Land and Its Creatures

Angels watch over all living things, ensuring that the Earth continues to provide for humanity.
Some Catholic traditions hold that Guardian Angels are also assigned to animals and regions, watching over entire nations and territories.
St. Hildegard of Bingen, a medieval mystic, wrote about angels influencing the healing properties of plants and herbs.

3. Angels in Miraculous Events and Natural Disasters

Angels are often depicted as the agents of miraculous intervention, either preventing disasters or executing divine justice when necessary.

A. Angels Preventing Natural Disasters

Many saints have testified that angels intervene in times of calamity, redirecting storms or stopping floods.
Our Lady of Fatima’s Angel of Peace was seen by the three shepherd children, reminding humanity to pray to prevent war and suffering.
Throughout history, churches have survived fires, earthquakes, and storms—many believing that angels protected these holy places.

B. Angels as Executers of Divine Justice

When humanity strays too far from God, angels can act as instruments of divine warning, as seen in biblical history.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) was carried out by angels in accordance with God’s will.
The Book of Revelation speaks of angels sounding trumpets, signaling great events affecting both nature and human history.

4. Saints and Their Encounters with Angels in Nature

Many saints have had mystical encounters where they witnessed angels influencing the natural world.

A. St. Francis of Assisi: Preaching to the Birds

St. Francis saw all of creation as a reflection of God’s love, believing angels guided the natural world.
His famous sermon to the birds reflects the harmony between angels, nature, and human souls.

B. St. Hildegard of Bingen: Visions of Angels in Creation

St. Hildegard described seeing angels illuminating nature, showing her how the forces of Heaven were deeply connected to the Earth.
She saw angels tending to the growth of plants and the movement of stars, showing their influence in every aspect of life.

C. St. Faustina: An Angel Controlling a Storm

In her Diary, St. Faustina recorded an instance where an angel held back a storm after she prayed for mercy.
She saw a mighty angel holding a flaming sword, ready to unleash divine justice upon the Earth, but he was stopped by her prayers and Jesus’ mercy.

5. How We Can Call Upon Angels in Our Daily Lives

Since angels play an active role in nature, we can pray to them for assistance in times of need:

A. Prayer for Protection from Storms and Disasters

Heavenly Father, send Your holy angels to guard our land and protect us from storms, earthquakes, and disasters. May their watchful presence keep us safe from harm. Amen.

B. Prayer to the Angel of Peace (From Fatima)

O Angel of Peace, bring harmony to our world. Help us to live in unity with God’s creation and respect the beauty of the Earth. Guide us to act as stewards of nature and protect us from all harm. Amen.

The Angels’ Presence in Every Part of Creation

Angels are not distant beings confined to Heaven—they are actively present in the air we breathe, the waters we drink, and the stars that light the night sky. As guardians of the natural world, they reflect God’s love and power, ensuring the beauty and order of creation. By calling upon them, we align ourselves with the divine harmony they uphold, living as true stewards of the world God has entrusted to us.

Angels

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Mar 22, 2025

How Angels Influence the Natural World: Heavenly Stewards of Creation