Hey, you!

Dymphna just posted this excellent artwork on her blog. I won't republish her humorous comments; go read them yourself.

I have often thought my guardian angel has "bumped" me when I'm suppose to be waking up but have hit the snooze button, or when I'm not paying attention while driving. I once heard a theologian point out that one of the striking features of the angelic salutation to the Virgin Mary is how the angel doesn't deal with her using the customary angelic brusqueness. For example, the angel busting St. Peter out of prison in Acts 12 is almost explaining to him how to put on his clothes like one might do with a 3-year-old. In fact, maybe that is what the angel is saying in this painting to St. Jerome—"Get some clothes on, for God's sake." They are used to barking out orders at us; that's their job. I, for one, hope I learn to listen.