We fight not with swords and shields but with faith, perseverance, and the grace of God.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us to put on the full armour of God to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Just like soldiers on the frontlines, we face daily skirmishes that test our resolve and challenge our faith.
In this article, I'll explore how we can equip ourselves with the armour of God, the importance of confession as a field hospital for the soul, and how, like the soldiers treated in the M*A*SH units during war, we can find healing, strength, and renewed courage to re-enter the battle.
The Spiritual Battlefield
The spiritual life is not a tranquil stroll through a garden; it is a battleground. Jesus warned His followers that they would face trials, temptations, and opposition. In Matthew 26:41, He urges us to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Temptations come in many forms: pride, envy, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, and sloth. Sometimes, these temptations are subtle, creeping into our lives through seemingly harmless thoughts and actions. Other times, they confront us head-on, challenging our principles and calling us to make difficult choices.
In this fight, we are not alone. God provides us with spiritual defences to withstand the enemy's attacks. We must recognise the reality of the battle and prepare ourselves accordingly.
The Armour of God
St Paul, writing to the Ephesians, describes the spiritual armour necessary to withstand the enemy's onslaught (Ephesians 6:10-18). Each piece of this divine armour has a specific purpose in our daily fight against sin.
The Belt of Truth: The belt holds the rest of the armour together, just as God's truth holds our faith intact. In a world filled with lies and deception, we must cling to the eternal truths revealed in Scripture and upheld by the Church.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protects the heart, the seat of our love and faith. Living a righteous life, grounded in God's commandments and the teachings of Christ, guards our hearts against sin.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Soldiers need sturdy footwear to stand firm and move swiftly. The Gospel of peace anchors us in God's love and enables us to move forward with confidence, even in turbulent times.
The Shield of Faith: The enemy's arrows come in the form of doubts, fears, and discouragement. A strong, unwavering faith deflects these attacks, keeping us focused on God.
The Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects the mind, reminding us of the hope of salvation won for us through Christ's sacrifice.
The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our offensive weapon. Through Scripture, we gain wisdom, strength, and the ability to counter the lies of the enemy.
By putting on this armour each day, through prayer, Scripture, and sacramental life, we strengthen ourselves for the battle ahead.
The Wounded Soldiers
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes fall. Temptation proves too strong; sin wounds us, leaving us spiritually battered and bruised. In these moments, we become like the walking wounded on a battlefield, staggering under the weight of our guilt and shame.
In war, wounded soldiers are rushed to field hospitals for urgent care.
The television series M*A*SH offers a compelling metaphor for the sacrament of confession. In the show, medical personnel work tirelessly to stabilise and treat the injured, giving them the care they need to survive and recover. The soldiers arrive broken, bleeding, and often demoralised, yet they leave with renewed hope and the strength to return to their duties.
Confession: The Spiritual M*A*S*H Unit
The confessional is our spiritual field hospital. We enter burdened with sin, guilt, and spiritual wounds. There, in the quiet presence of Christ through the priest, we receive healing. The sacrament of reconciliation cleanses us, mends our brokenness, and restores us to spiritual health.
Just as M*A*S*H doctors didn't judge the soldiers who came to them, the priest does not judge the penitent. He acts in the person of Christ, offering absolution and encouragement. The focus is not on the severity of the wounds but on the healing power of God's mercy.
The Confession Experience: From Wounded to Whole
Entering the confessional can feel daunting. We may be tempted to downplay our sins or avoid the sacrament altogether. However, the relief and grace that confession provides are worth overcoming our fears.
When we confess our sins with true contrition, the priest, like a spiritual surgeon, helps remove the infection of sin. The words of absolution are like the stitches that close the wound, allowing it to heal. We emerge not as defeated, broken soldiers but as renewed warriors, ready to re-enter the battlefield.
Psalm 147:3 reminds us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." In confession, God does precisely this. We come as the walking wounded but leave fortified and forgiven.
Lessons from the Battlefield
Reflecting on the M*A*S*H analogy, we see that soldiers never fought alone. They relied on their comrades for support, courage, and strength. Similarly, we are not solitary fighters in the spiritual battle. We belong to the Church, the body of Christ, where we find encouragement, guidance, and prayerful support.
Stay Vigilant: Just as soldiers remain alert for enemy attacks, we must stay vigilant against sin. Regular prayer, Scripture reading, and self-examination help us recognise and resist temptation.
Seek Healing Promptly: Wounded soldiers need immediate medical attention; likewise, we should seek confession without delay when we fall into sin. The sooner we confess, the sooner we begin to heal.
Support Fellow Soldiers: Encourage others in their faith journey. Pray for one another, offer words of support, and be a witness to God's mercy.
Never Abandon the Armour: The armour of God is not a one-time provision but a daily necessity. We must put it on each morning, through prayer and trust in God's strength.
Remember the Commander-in-Chief: Christ leads us in this battle. He has already won the war through His death and resurrection. Our role is to remain faithful and fight with the grace He provides.
The Role of Prayer and Sacraments
Prayer is our communication line with our divine Commander. In war, disrupted communication can lead to defeat. In the spiritual life, neglecting prayer weakens our defences.
The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, serve as essential supplies. The Eucharist nourishes our souls with the very presence of Christ, giving us strength to continue the fight. Confession restores us when we are wounded, ensuring that we never become casualties of sin.
Hope in the Midst of Battle
War is chaotic, frightening, and often disheartening. Yet, soldiers find hope in their mission, their comrades, and their leaders. As Christians, our hope lies in Christ. He has promised to be with us always, even in the fiercest battles.
Romans 8:37 assures us, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." With God's grace, we can overcome sin, resist temptation, and remain steadfast in faith.
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Marching Forward with Courage
Like the soldiers treated in M*A*S*H we will experience times of injury. Sin will leave its mark, but God's mercy is greater than our failings. The confessional, our spiritual field hospital, waits to cleanse, heal, and renew us.
Let us march forward each day, mindful of the battle but confident in our divine Commander. With faith, perseverance, and the grace of God, victory is assured. For, as Scripture reminds us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
So, onward Christian soldiers!