By John Desing csc –
Readings: Eph 6:10-20; Lk 13:31-35
Evil forces are stronger than human strengths. In our world, Satan is constantly at work in disguised ways. However, when the power of the resurrected Christ is on our side, no evil can defeat us.
In the readings, we have St. Paul and Jesus who undergo hardships, rejections, and death-threats in their mission journey. Yet they keep on going because they are brave and clear of what they are doing and where they are going. In fact, the reality of our lives is this, when the “why” is clear, the “what” is easy. We must know that the temptations are glamorous and seductive. Just as we have action plans and objectives to lead us to our goals, Satan also has varied techniques to take us away from the love of God.
St Paul gives us very concrete ways to resist and fight against those evil forces. They are weapons of embracing truth, justice, sharpening the sword of the word of God, and prayer. We do not need money to buy these weapons, but all we need is faith to avail them.
Amidst the darkness of Covid-19 and other related problems, we are surrounded by fear, hopelessness, helplessness, depression, and death. But we must not forget that God is our shield and refuge. His protective wing reaches out to everyone who is faithful to him. Let us “remain strong in God’s mighty power” (Eph 6:10).