Today’s first reading is from the first letter of St. Peter, written to Christians in far-flung areas of Asia Minor who were experiencing ostracism and persecution for their faith. He speaks to them of the ancient prophets who foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit with the promise of grace and salvation through faith. St. Peter exhorts them (and us) to prepare for what may come and hope to the end for this grace,
“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
George Leo Haydock observed in 1849, “It is a metaphor, to signify they must live in such a manner as to be always prepared for heaven, as persons used to gird their garments about them, when about to walk or run, or to undertake any labour. (Witham)”
Challenges
We see this imagery in the Jewish rite of Passover, when the Israelites recall the preparation for the flight from Egypt on a moment’s notice. Today’s Christians must be prepared to face a variety of challenges, ranging from subtle to overt cultural discouragement to governmental limitations on practicing religion to outright violence.
What does girding the loins of the mind entail? This involves staying vigilant, prepared to act with little notice, and watchful for the challenges that may come:
● Be sober: focused and disciplined in your thinking
● Guard your mind from temptations and distractions of the world
● Be obedient. As the reading states, be “Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance.”
● Put your faith in action through works of mercy
● Remain watchful and prepared for spiritual battles or moral challenges.
Tools
Sound like a tall order? We have many tools at our disposal to support us in this effort. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures and prayer, examine your conscience and avail yourself of the Sacraments.
St. Peter concludes,
“. . . as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.”
