Paul Stuart

The Birth of an Angel Paul Stuart

Peter Blakely has lost his faith. After nine years on the streets of a large suburban city, amidst a childhood-acquainted with grief, he recalls the absence of a father sent to prison years before. Now, a decade later, this man who has since been released, hopes for reconciliation. Forgiveness, though, does not come easy for Peter; especially in light of his vocation. Years amidst deprecating surroundings have changed him. For now it is easier not to believe; more comfortable not to forgive; more convenient to be angry.

Enter Pascal...the newest angel. God has seen fit to create him for the sole purpose of serving as a guardian to this unlikely police officer. Tentative and uncertain, Pascal finds himself curiously unhappy with his "assignment". 'Why can't he be closer to God, like the others? Why must he be so proximate with the sin and depravation of the world?'

As the lessons are learned by each mortal, so they are burned into the souls of each of their guardian angels. And what is visible to angelic eyes is not always visible to human ones. Why is there assisted suicide? Why does God allow suffering in the world? How is the world truly viewed in Heaven? Curious questions to humans. But when witnessed through the eyes of celestial beings, who see God as He is, the world makes a bit more sense.

Will Pascal reach Peter? Will his discontentment be addressed by the Son? Or will he come to see that he is closest to the Trinity amidst the thankless drudgery he seeks to avoid? A vocation filled with rewards not unlike that of his mortal's, perhaps the answers are closer than he thinks.