Call To Arms

October 30: Thursday of Week 30 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Ephesians 6:10-20; Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10; Luke 13:31-35

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings. 

What is Jesus saying to us as stewards of his kingship? 

(To support  Reaching Jesus: 5 Steps to a Fuller Life... Step Five).

Call To Arms

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock” (Psalm 144:1).

Christianity is a fight; not just against the ignorance, fear, ingrained attitudes and values of people, but—we need to know this—against “the tactics of the Devil.” We are opposed by “the evil spirits in the heavens.”

 So we need to “draw our strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.” We ourselves don’t have what it takes. So, to protect ourselves, we “put on the armor of God.” We call up our divine knowledge of the “truth”; God-given confidence in our basic “righteousness”; undiscouraged “readiness to proclaim the Good News.” We use the touchstone of “faith,” against which all errors shatter; and take cover under assurance of sharing in God’s divine life, which is “salvation.” We go on the offensive with the “sword of the Spirit,” cutting through the enemy’s lies with “the word of God.”

As “stewards of the manifold grace of God,” we manage all this weaponry. We know how. If not, we take responsibility for learning through reading, instruction and spiritual direction.

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.

My refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer,

My shield, in whom I trust.

Stewardship demands perseverance. Perseverance depends on stewardship—effectively managing the resources available to us. Faith helps us identify them; hope empowers us to use them. Love gives motivation.

PRAY, when tempted: “Come, Holy Spirit!”

PRACTICE: Be on guard but unafraid.