We are Soldiers!

Thursday, 31 October 2024. Readings: Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-20, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 13:31-35

“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Today, St. Paul explains that as Christians, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. We fight against that thief who “comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy.” (John 10:10). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus refers to Herod as a fox after being told that Herod was planning his assassination.

- No matter how good we are, we would have enemies who would hate us not for the good we do but because they have been won over by the thief – the deceiver whose only goal is to destroy. After killing John the Baptist for preaching the truth, Herod was hungry again for the head of Jesus. What did Jesus do to Herod?

- Believe it or not, your goodness is a threat to principalities and powers who sometimes operate through persons around us. For instance, when Jesus addressed Peter as Satan, it wasn’t an insult to Peter but a direct attack on the source of Peter’s statement. When these forces take hold of people, they manifest all kinds of negativity. If we hate humans, we would be fighting the wrong battle. Human beings are not our enemies; they are spiritual forces that we should contend with.

- Some Pharisees told Jesus to run away from Jerusalem to protect himself from Herod. Recall that as a child, God sent an Angel to warn Joseph in a dream to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. Jesus did not flee from Herod again because He knew His time had come. On the other hand, Jesus did not need to run because He knew Herod wasn’t the one to kill Him.

- What does this teach us? There is no need to panic, but at the same time, we must not put ourselves in danger unnecessarily. St. Paul tells us that in this battle, we must be fully dressed for action, and our attire should consist of the following:

1. THE BELT OF TRUTH. Honesty, sincerity, and integrity are powerful weapons. The devil fears those who would never compromise or bear false witness.

2. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Another powerful weapon is living above sin. Jesus told us to be perfect as God in heaven is perfect. Living a holy life is not a burden but something that gives us an edge over the kingdom of darkness

3. SHOES OF EVANGELISM. Jesus said that those who are not for him are against him. (Matthew 9:38, Luke 9:49). If you are not consciously and deliberately spreading God’s kingdom, you are working for the devil. Talking to people about Jesus is a weapon.

4. THE SHIELD OF FAITH. Trials (negative circumstances) are part of life. Faith is a weapon, one that is needed to conquer the devil during trials. You should say, “O devil, I will not bow to you; even though I am walking through a valley of darkness right now, I know God is with me; even though I can’t see anything now, I will not follow you.”

5. THE HELMET OF SALVATION. Another great weapon is the sacraments. Have you been anointed with the oil of salvation in Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Order? Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb in Holy Communion? Do you frequent the fountain of God’s mercy (sacrament of penance)? Are you living with a spouse without the proper blessing of Holy Matrimony? Many Christians do not know that each of these sacraments carries specific blessings capable of dealing with the devil.

6. The SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, the WORD OF GOD. The word of God is a sword you use to defend yourself and fight in the spiritual realm. Pray the Bible. Speak God’s word over whatever situation or condition you are going through, and you will emerge victorious.

7. PRAY IN THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES. Prayer is a weapon that makes other weapons effective. Sure, a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, by your almighty power, grant us victory over the enemy. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 30 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 6:10-20, Ps. 144:1-2,9-10, Luke 13:31-35).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu