Action Hero

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God"

Sunday school children are fascinated by today’s passage because it prompts them to think about their favorite superheroes like spiderman, ironman or some other action heroes.
Look at this passage again, and identify the instruments of the battle that Paul lists: a breastplate, boots, a shield, a helmet, and finally a sword. Did you notice that only one is a weapon? The rest are for protection against attack. Notice, too, the posture that Paul tells the Ephesians to take up: They are to "stand firm," ready to "resist" evil when it comes to them and to "stand fast" whenever they are attacked (Ephesians 6:11,13,14). Our calling in life is not to wage war against enemy forces. Our calling is to live our Christian faith, keeping our eyes on Jesus, not on our enemies. We simply need this armor to protect us when the devil tries to wear us down.
Now notice the virtues that Paul lists: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). These are great values that can make a person grow spiritually. In my work with couples, I often ask what are some common values that you share in your relationship? Most of the time couples speak about their common interests. Interests change as we evolve but the virtues that Paul lists are eternal. They can serve as a healthy foundation for our individual development and they are bedrocks on which healthy marriages and friendships are sustained. 
So read carefully the words of St. Paul and become an action hero yourself. 

Yours,

Fr. Nareg

Today's Bible Readings: Ephesians 6:13-24; Luke 9:37-44

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