We take a break from the Acts of the Apostles and read from First Letter of Peter on this feast of St. Mark. What we find is some sound practical advice to help us in our spiritual battle.
John’s Gospel reveals the moment when Judas gave in to Satan’s temptation in the darkness of night. Enlighted by this passage, we recognize that we face a daily spiritual battle with evil that requires our vigilance and trust in the Lord.
St. Paul addresses the ongoing challenge of temptation we all face with the hope we have in Christ. It’s a spiritual battle, but one that we face everyday with the grace and strength of God.
We see the spiritual battle within Judas as he prepares to betray the Lord, yet we recall that there is a fight for good and evil within our own hearts as well. May we acknowledge this struggle and steadfastly turn to Christ – our friend and ally – to win the war.
St. Paul reminds the people of Rome that our spiritual battles are fought with the Lord by our side, and nothing can overcome God’s strength. May the Lord’s grace encourage us to face the challenges before us this day!
The Lord reminds us to be vigilant in our daily temptation to sin, revealing that it is through our disciplined efforts that we engage our spiritual battle with the strength of Jesus.
Both St. Paul and Jesus speak of the challenges all disciples face from the wolves that seek to tear us out of God’s hand. Knowing that we will face our own spiritual battles, may we fearlessly call upon the Lord for the grace we need to respond with the gift of faith.
Three Great Things 