FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
HOLY WARRIORS
(Part 72)
THE ARMOR OF GOD – 2
October 29, 2020
Today’s reading:
Ephesians 6:10-20
We are in spiritual war. This war is about souls. This war is about truth. The enemy, who seeks the ruin of souls, is the father of lies. In today’s culture, the truth is being overturned. The enemy within gives a twisted meaning to Christian values and beliefs. This is modernism at work.
We are to “put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.” (v.11). What are the elements of this armor, which can expose the modernist tactics of the devil?
First, “stand fast with your loins girded in truth” (v.14a). Truth today is being overturned in the assault on authentic doctrine.
- There is rejection of divine revelation.
- There is a challenge to the historicity of the Immaculate Conception, the virgin birth of Jesus, the Resurrection, the assumption of Mary, transubstantiation.
- There are challenges to there being only one true faith, Christianity, established by Jesus himself.
- There is the preeminence of conscience over dogma, with conscience influenced more by sentimentality and feelings.
- There is the claim that doctrine evolves, that it should be geared more to being pastoral rather than just true.
Second, be “clothed with righteousness as a breastplate” (v.14b). Righteousness today is being overturned by the acceptance of impurity and immorality.
- The individual decides what is moral and true.
- Action on religious matters is becoming a matter of just in accord with one’s conscience.
- LGBT and irregular unions are being accepted into the mainstream of the Church.
- There is a greater focus on the well-being of man rather than the righteousness of God.
Third, let “your feet be shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.” (v.15). Peace today is being reinterpreted, no longer as the peace of Christ.
- As just human beings getting along.
- As the international brotherhood of all men.
- As the thrust for ecumenical relationships.
Fourth, “hold faith as a shield” (v.16a). Faith today is under assault.
- There is growing apostasy.
- There are many lapsed or cultural Catholics.
- Modernists are taking the supernatural out of faith.
- The cross of Christ is being replaced by a religion of secular humanism.
- The people of God are being redefined to mean all people of goodwill.* There are those who say that the diversity of religions is willed by God.
Fifth, “take the helmet of salvation” (v.17a). Salvation today is being redefined.
- As a political goal.
- As care for the poor, with redistribution of goods and unrestricted migration.
- Proselytism is being disdained, and salvation may be found in any and all religions.
Sixth, take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (v.17b). The word of God, the Bible, is being demythologized, with the rejection of anything supernatural.
- Historical characters are questioned.
- Miracles are explained away with human thinking.
– The multiplication of loaves and fish was just a matter of sharing.
– Driving out demons was just bringing psychological peace to troubled people.
– Walking on water is a literary device to show overcoming worldly troubles.
– Transubstantiation is just remembrance of Jesus.- Resurrection is just a way to communicate the belief that Jesus continues to live in our hearts.
Holy warriors are to resist the onslaught and lies of the enemy. “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.” (v.13). We are to resist the onslaughts of the enemy, including and in particular the enemy within. We are to hold our ground, and steadily advance against the enemy.