30th Week in Ordinary Time

Our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities. 

Everyone struggles. Sometimes the struggle is light, and sometimes it’s heavy. We can struggle to get dinner on the table after a tiring day, and we can struggle with a sharp personality clash with a loved one. But St. Paul tells us that every struggle has a spiritual element to it: we are engaged in a battle against our ancient enemy, the devil. So Paul invites us to see the struggles of life with spiritual eyes, not just from a human point of view.

We shouldn’t take this spiritual battle lightly, for our “opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Whenever we try to grow in holiness, we are battling more than our own weakness and sin. We are also struggling against the evil one, who tries to ensnare us with his lies and temptations. So we need to pay attention to his schemes. Or as Paul says, we need to remain “watchful with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18).

But even as we keep watch, we can be filled with peace. We can draw “strength from the Lord and from his mighty power” as we take up “the armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10, 11, 13).

How can we be so confident? Because Jesus has already conquered sin, death, and darkness. Because we received a share of his victory when we were baptized into his death and resurrection. So we triumph over the evil one by surrendering to God’s strength, not by fighting with our own. In our struggles, we can face the forces of darkness with open hands rather than clenched fists, trusting that the Lord will fight for us.

So be alert! When you face temptation or notice the lies of the evil one, don’t confront them on your own. Instead, take a breath and call on the name of Jesus. Say it out loud! Welcome his presence, arm yourself with the victory he has won for you, and trust in his strength. This is the path to peace and victory. This is the way you can overcome every “struggle” (Ephesians 6:12).

“Lord Jesus, victor over darkness, come to my aid today!”

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