Question Two of Chapter Five of the Second Decade
That angels receive accidental joy from the salvation of those whom they guard
It is asked whether the joy of the guardian angel increases from the salvation of the one guarded.
To this it is answered as follows. The reward of angels is twofold, namely essential and accidental.
As regards the essential reward, the joy of angels does not increase from the salvation of the one guarded. For they do not become more blessed—so that, namely, they see, love, or fear God more—on account of the salvation of the one guarded.
The reason for this is that, since the angels are established in beatitude, they cannot make progress in beatitude.
Nevertheless, their joy increases accidentally, insofar as extensively they rejoice over more things and have obtained more goods.
Whence it is customarily said formally that they do not rejoice because they have obtained greater goods, but because they have obtained more goods, so that the word greater is referred to the essential reward, and more to the accidental reward.
Whence, upon that saying of Luke, chapter 15, “There will be joy before the angels of God over one sinner doing penance,” the Glosses say that the angels deservedly rejoice over the salvation of the sinner guarded.
First, because they see the fruit of their guardianship concerning the human being, just as a physician does concerning a sick person.
Second, because they see the number of the seats left behind by those who fell from among them being filled.
Third, because they see that they have such a companion in praising God.
Whence, upon that saying of Job, chapter 38, “Where were you when the morning stars praised me together?” the Gloss says: “That is, the angelic nature,” and [continues], “and all the sons of God rejoiced.”
These things are from Thomas and Bonaventure.