Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Paul’s words in our first reading today replicate a warrior preparing for battle. He says, "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."
Even though Paul uses the language or warfare, his battle and our fight is not a violent one. Our fight is not with other human beings, but a spiritual struggle against the sin of our world. It could devour us, or destroy us. Our strength is not ourselves, but the Spirit.
Similarly, in today's gospel reading, Jesus is warned, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” But his mission is too important. Despite the danger, the mission of Christ will not be stopped! Just as soldiers, firefighters, and police run to dangerous places to accomplish their mission or to save people’s lives, we are called to go to dangerous places. With the armor of God, we run headlong against poverty and injustice. With the Spirit we can confidently witness to the gospel in our families, at work, and in the neighborhood. We can risk loving the broken-hearted, knowing that they may turn on us. How? Not by our own strength, but by Christ within us.
"Lord, show us how to live the mission of Christ in our lives. Amen!"
- Chris Nieport