Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Our current times seem filled with many challenges. Whether it is politics, AI, or a general distrust of others, our world feels like it is being in inundated with fear, frustration, and hatred. How are we as Christians called to live out our faith in the midst of these turbulent days? Today’s scripture readings provide the guidance and strength we can rely on when we face the tempests of the world around us.
In today’s first reading, it seems that St. Paul’s community in Ephesus was facing many difficulties. These forces were not of “flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Eph 6: 12) These negative influences were causing the Ephesians to lose heart. St. Paul suggests that they should “put on the armor of God” (Eph 6:11) to help stand firm. With “righteousness as a breastplate”, “having feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace”, “using faith as a shield”, and “the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit”, (Eph 6: 14-17) St. Paul reminds the Ephesians they have all of the gifts necessary to remain steadfast in truth. He goes on further to remind the community of the importance of praying always in the Spirit. Although St. Paul uses the analogy of armor (something associated with battle), there is no discussion of attacking the other or the use of violence to overcome the assault. By remaining strong in the battle through faith and trust in Christ, St. Paul calls the community to stand firm on the Gospel and Jesus.
Today’s gospel supports this notion that Jesus longs to provide comfort and protection like “a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” (Lk 13: 34) Jesus reminds his listeners that we must be willing to surrender to His ways of compassion and love in order to become a part of His flock.
These readings remind me that throughout the ages, people from various times and places have faced many challenges. Like the community in Ephesus, we are also undergoing many struggles, but we also have been offered graces to help us stand firm. We are called to live in righteousness and peace, and use faith and the Spirit of God to help us navigate our daily encounters with hatred, violence and fear. Jesus shares that He is with us, but reminds us that we must stay true to His Gospel of love, compassion, and peace. This does not make us people who are pushovers. We are called to be leaders of God’s truth by remaining respectful, listening, and compassionate actors in our world, where we live by the ways of Christ in what we think, say and do. Whether we are posting on social media, meeting people on the street, engaging with people at work/ school or in our families, we find our strength and guidance through our faith in Jesus Christ.
As the discord in our nation and world seem to be increasing, take time to pause, pray, and “put on the armor” of Christ as you approach the tempests around you. May the witness of our respect for other, compassion for those in need, and refusal to let hate rule our lives, be a light for all to see what it means to be Christ-like in our world today.
-Marylynn Herchline