Growing up in the Catholic faith tradition, we were blessed with a common spiritual sense, which we were expected to utilize in order to face the world ahead of us. When off base, we would hear, “No, we don’t do that.” Simple, straightforward, black, and white were the guidelines. If we did not understand why, then we followed a Biblical reference to solidify the concept and eliminate doubts.
Today we see multiple generations who did not grow up in any faith tradition. Thus, they are spiritually tarnished with agendas, misinformation, disinformation, accepted illegalities, and outright evil. It is critical that we keep in mind Jesus’ recognition of what we are to expect, “I shall not talk to you much longer, because the prince of this world is on his way. He has no power over me” (Jn 14:30). Most days it seems the prince of this world has arrived and is alive and kicking. As one of my colleagues pointed out during a contentious faculty meeting about vaccine mandates, “the demons are out and they’re kicking our behinds.” Maybe that is just what we all needed to push us into greater testimony, evangelization, and living our vocations.
As Christians, we see everyone as made in the image and likeness of God. However, those who have not been exposed to Christian living really cannot understand our innate equality. This is not to lessen the dire need to address economic inequalities, but it is in our common humanity that we will find solutions. So, we pray for those who do not recognize God, and consequently do battle for the evil one, that God may find a way to touch their hearts to conversion and quietly speak, “no, we don’t do that.”
Tactical Tools
Jesus would not, and did not, leave us without the tools needed to face and defeat evil in our time. “Peace I leave you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (Jn. 14:27). Not only is peace our tool, but it is also our weapon. Armed with peace, we have a confident fearlessness, which cannot be disturbed. This must really aggravate the evil one, and that is a good thing because this way he has no power over us, just as Jesus taught us.
“And from there sailed for Antioch, where they had originally been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed” (Acts 14:26). In their peaceful sail, they likely reflected on how God had supplied the grace to complete all the work they had accomplished. Close your eyes and take few minutes to contemplate the Apostles sailing to Antioch. Feel the wind softly filling the sails. Hear the silent whisper in the gentle waves. Remember the things Jesus said and did with you. To what shore is God calling you? What tools, what blessings, do you have? Ask the Lord to guide you to the tactics, and the graces, needed to remain peaceful and powerful. He will ensure smooth sailing even in turbulent waters.
Thank you for this reflection, Tina, I needed to hear exactly this today. God bless.