Word to the Wise
Thursday, October 27, 2022 - Thursday in the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
[Eph 6:10-20 and Luke 13:31-35]Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. [Ephesians]
It seems a little strange to speak of combat on behalf of the "Gospel of peace!" A Roman general named Vegetius coined the expression, "If you want peace, prepare for war!" The Letter to the Ephesians seems to reflect that sentiment in today's first scripture. I have noted, also, in recent days at a number of parishes that the Prayer to St. MIchael the Archangel has become popular again. ("St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle...etc.] It was once a required prayer at the end of Mass in the USA before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. There is also a popular Dominican devotion called "the Angelic Warfare" which promotes the virtue and practice of chastity.
There are times when it does seem as if Christianity is in combat with cultural norms and movements. The adjective, "countercultural," has come into being in theological circles. Everyday experience, especially in matters of sexuality, politics and consumer appetites, reveals struggle on personal as well as community levels (local, regional, national, international). A simple example can be found in what is now considered OK to do on Sunday, compared to the 1950's!!! Going to church has become just one option among others!
If the martial imagery of the Letter to the Ephesians seems a bit strange, it may be because we need to pay attention to the necessity to "stand our ground" both within ourselves and in the world around us if we want to remain faithful to the "Gospel of peace." AMEN