A Reading from Paul to EPH 6:10-20
Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 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. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.
REFLECTION: "Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power."
In Spanish it is very common to finish phrases with: "If God wills it" or "with God's favor".
Why do I mention this?
Because I have yet to hear something similar in English, at least in American English.
Seems to me that here in the US, we are too used to do things "our way", "by my own accord and faculties".
Yes, when God calls or touches us, we need to will to take that step towards Him. And we often forget that He called us first. If we want to persevere we need to ask for His gifts, His grace, and for faith.
I like how in this Epistle, St. Paul compares standing firm, in truthfulness, righteousness, readiness, in faith and salvation as different parts of an armor or weapon against the devil. Today's reading starts with "Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power".
Nowadays we meet so many people that have never heard of Christ. They have heard stories of "weird Christians" (like the ones portrayed on TV). And like all of us, they are searching for the Truth. But this search takes them to places where they name themselves "god". Or they think they can harness and manipulate "the Universe" at their will.
What do we want from Christ? What do we ask from Christ? Do we want to love and serve Him? Or do we want to make Him to our own image?
St. Paul also in his Epistle to the Galatians tells us: "yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me." (Gal 2:20)
How do we armor ourselves? How do we ask God to come live in us?
We can start by Breathing Jesus.
Inhale. Take a deep breath. Exhale half your breath saying our Lord's Name: "Jesus..." Finish exhaling asking for His: "Mercy".
Jesus...
Mercy...
Repeat this simple prayer throughout the day--when stressed, when stuck in traffic and when alone...
He does not deny a contrite heart. Nor does He hide His face from those who look for Him.
Pray with me. Pray with us. So we can be clothed with His strength, and have life in Him.
