Spiritual warfare is not a popular topic these days, but it is a relevant one. We read a passage like today’s Gospel, and many of us may respond by thinking, “Thank goodness I don’t live back then!”
But the devil is, sadly, still much at work in our world, and we still need to choose sides in this battle. The lines that Jesus draws here are stark ones. He makes clear, in no uncertain terms, that we are either with him or against him. There is no “in between”.
I won’t deny the reality of demonic possession today, but I don’t think that’s the form that spiritual warfare will take for most of us. For most of us, spiritual warfare will happen in the little moments: when we overhear gossip and have to decide whether or not to change the subject; when we’re tempted to yell at the child who is fighting with his sibling again; when we’re faced with the decision to close our social media apps and say our morning prayers instead.
One of the greatest spiritual battles each of us faces on a daily basis is what St. Josemaria Escriva refers to as “the heroic moment.” St. Josemaria writes, “The heroic moment. It is the time fixed for getting up. Without hesitation: a supernatural reflection and…up!” This can be a daily struggle! Even a simple morning offering, giving our day to God, can help us begin our day with one spiritual battle won. We can trust in God to help us win the rest.
We must choose sides in this battle between heaven and hell. Which side will you choose today?
Do you pray a morning offering prayer? How can you make a point of dedicating each day to God?
Dear Jesus, in the battle between good and evil, give me the grace to always choose you. Amen.
Today’s guest blogger is Michele E. Chronister, a wife, mother, speaker, writer, and catechist. She also serves on the Council for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. She blogs at www.mydomesticmonastery.com. This reflection is used with permission from CatholicMom.com.
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