Metaphysics of angels

Metaphysics of angels Question from on 06-07-2007:

Dear Dr. Geraghty, I was reading a fine article on angels in the Spring 2007 issue of Latin Mass. One section of the article discussed the metaphysics of pure spirits, where the author stated, "Angels are pure spirits, intellectual beings without physical matter, yet capable, when God wills, of arranging matter into a temporary human-like body..." Now I am no expert in this area, however, by "arranging matter" to me says that the angel takes on physical matter and thus I would be capable of touching or grabbing hold of the angel or the matter. Now I always thought that when spirits, through the will of God, make themselves manifest to man, that they do not take on matter per se, but become, through some spiritual light or energy or something, apparant to us; that we could never actual touch or hold on to the spirit as of matter. That is what I took away from reading the transcripts of the examination of St. Joan of Arc by the pro-English theologians. Could you please clarify this. Thank you.

Answer by Richard Geraghty on 06-09-2007:

Dear Wayne, The point to keep in mind is that an angel, being a pure spirit, exists without a body. Man has to have a body to be a man. Now angels can do all kinds of things with matter. But they cannot change their own nature and be in a body like the soul of man is in a body. But angels can use matter to appear to men as if they had bodies. If the angels wanted to be touched, he could make himself appear as solid and so could be touched. If he did not want to be touched, he could appear so that he could not be held or touched. It all depends upon what the angel wants. Dr. Geraghty

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