WEDNESDAY MAY 16, 2024
WEDNESDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER B
Acts 20:28-38
John 17:11-19
CONTENDING WITH THE FORCES AGAINST OUR FAITH AND LIFE
One of the prayer intentions of Jesus and that which every disciple of Christ must be aware of in life is praying against the forces, spiritual, physical and even demonic that may contradict, oppose and adversely undermine our teachings and life as Christians. Jesus prayed God our Father before his departure to protect and save us his followers from these forces.
It will be added here that the Church understands this prayer of Jesus very well. Because the church believes and professes in her creed the existence of the world seen and unseen. Scripture attests to the existence of lucifer or the devil who goes about deceiving the elect. And this devil or lucifer still has the natural powers and abilities given them by God. Their influences and drives against humanity is so much and great that only the power of God can contend with them. Here is the great impact of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus offers such prayer of supplication, raising the red flag of their influence and powers and asking us to be vigilant, sharp and informed of their antics and influence in our journey and struggles in life.
So many saints have given us experiences and indications of the fight we must wage with thee spiritual forces in our journey through life. They can act in different modes and styles.
Saint Paul before departing from the Christian community of the Ephesians, at the end of his missionary endeavors, cautions these believers on the ravaging nature of these spiritual forces. He warned them to expect the attack, to be vigilant and to keep trusting in the power of God and be very generous to one another.
Saint Paul gives the people one of the keys to overcome the influence of the spiritual forces, teaching them that it is more profitable to give than to receive. Giving of ourselves is sacrificial and rewarding than always expecting to receive. It is so because it involves working, that shuns idleness. It enhances creativity and being busy with profitable ventures. So the best bet for us is to engage in the act of giving of self, resources, time and others than always expecting to receive.
But that is just one way. They are other ways to avoid the antics of the evil one, like being vigilant, praying at all times and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The most sure way is to be conscious of the presence of Jesus in this journey and to attend to him. Jesus offers prayers for us, he cares for our well-being and he wants our success in life.
Keep trusting in him, keep the faith growing, and never be distracted. These are the surest ways of contenting the forces of evil in our world and in our lives.
Heavenly Father, you informed us of your abiding presence, especially our being consecrated in the truth in and by the Holy Spirit. Grant us deliverance from all the forces of darkness and the antics of the devil in our lives. Protect us, shield us, guard us and grant us safety against their influences and powers. May we win at last this battle of life through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
