Today’s Thoughts: I have to say this morning that our scriptures today are not my favorite. What I struggle with are the images that they present to us. St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians uses the image of a soldier dressed for battle. The soldier has his or her shield, sword, armor, and is ready to do battle which for St. Paul is against the forces of evil. This kind of imagery comes to us throughout the scriptures, Old and New Testaments. But I must confess it is the imagery that I have the hardest struggle with. I don’t see my life as a battle. I don’t see faith as a shield. I don’t see myself wearing armor.
I have never desired to be in the military. I am not a physical fighter, never been in a physical fight and I have always struggle with the militaristic imagery in the Sacred Scriptures. I know I am in the minority and perhaps would be consider unamerican by many, but that is how I feel about life and live my life. I cannot provide for you any better images of life than what St. Paul does. I certainly understand how he has come to use these images after all the culture of his time was a constant physical struggle to survive, war abound. Perhaps our present days are no different. We do face “rulers of this present darkness.” The image of a soldier doing battle with life, with evil, with the devil I assume works for most and it is certainly imagery that many in our Church depend upon even today. But not me! I look upon life as a journey. Perhaps because I am a runner, I look upon life as a marathon. Life presents us with the challenges of work, of home, of neighbors, of relationships and other things that surround us externally, we are also confronted with many interior thoughts and feelings that enter our hearts making life difficult and a struggle. As we sort through them, we come to know that some are not of God and they do not lead us to God. Yes, St. Paul in the Letter to the Ephesians gives us practical advice. We are to rely on faith. St. Paul says it is a shield, but I prefer the image that faith is an energy, a spirit, a grace that helps me to continue the journey, that helps me to run the race, that helps me power through the struggles, that helps me overcome the obstacles, that helps me stand true when threatened by the presence of evil. Jesus never put on armor, held a sword, entered into battle. It is my friendship with God, with Jesus, with the Spirit that helps me confront the feelings of fear and thoughts of I am in over my head, my feelings of aloneness and thoughts of no one understands. I am sorry for my reflection today if you find doing battle, being a soldier for Christ, putting on your armor of good and carrying the shield of faith inspiring images for your life. As I have said above I do not. I will continue to run the race of life and trust that the water and nourishment stations will be there when I most need them and that more importantly, I do not run alone. God’s word challenges us today: “In all circumstances, hold faith as a [grace, a spirit, an energy for the journey of life].” Have a holy and blessed Thursday everyone!
1 Comment
Patricia Ashley
10/27/2022 07:41:28 am
Thank you! This echoes my feelings and thought about “waring scripture”. It can reinforce, for some, the need for violence. Jesus is Peace!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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