Put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Today, the first reading from our daily Mass lectionary concludes St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Before looking at St. Paul’s armor for spiritual protection against the evil one, it may be helpful to offer a comment about the Biblical worldview of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:10-18 presumes a spiritual warfare wherein there is an invisible cosmic conflict against spiritual forces of evil. This worldview is very different than say a modern mentality where the locus of the present battle is political. In that case, the “enemy” is a opposing political party which is seen as a threat to personal well-being or emotional safety. In that mindset, elections are framed as the “most important ever” and the victory of the opponent is believed to be an existential national security threat.
While elections and the political theater are certainly important, Christians have a very different mindset! The real battle is far greater and much deeper. There is a spiritual battle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the evil one. In other words, there is a cosmic conflict between God, loyal heavenly hosts, and rebellious spiritual angels led by Satan (the devil or ancient serpent).
Additionally, Sacred Scripture reminds us that there is a spiritual conflict within ourselves – what St. Paul calls “our flesh” or rebellious fallen nature operating apart from God and “our spirit” or our new life powered by the Holy Spirit. The former is our self-centered, independent, and hostile nature toward God’s authority. The latter is our God-centered, submissive, and aligned nature with God and His eternal kingdom.
With a cosmic spiritual battle presumed between God (and his heavenly host) and the evil one (and his fallen demonic spirits), as well as the internal battle we all face every day, St. Paul describes how Christians can protect themselves against spiritual darkness and temptation. He presents six pieces of armor that help the Christian prevail in the battle.
Loins girded in truth: Soldiers wore a leather apron wrapped around their waist to protect their midsection, lower back, and thighs. First, then, Christians must wrap themselves in the truth of the gospel and be truthful in what they say and do (Williamson, 195). In doing so, you counter the evil one’s weapons of deceptions, lies, and accusations. Truth lays naked the deceptions of the devil.
Righteousness as a breastplate: This was metal armor that protected the vital organs (e.g., heart and lungs) from weapons. Righteousness could mean right standing with God or conduct that is befitting of being in relationship with God. Regardless, there is a certain manner of living that flows from being a disciple of Christ. The breastplate of righteousness protects Christians from the devil’s immoral and dishonorable ways.
Feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace: Military soldiers clad their feet with appropriate footwear for travel. Here, the basic principle is that a Christian’s faith increases to the extent they share it with others. Sometimes a good defense is a good offense! In contrast to peace, Satan spreads his kingdom through discord, distress, and discouragement.
Faith as a shield: A shield protects the body. St. Paul urges his readers to take up the shield of faith, summoning them to believe in God and His word, especially when under attack (Williamson, 196). The devil attacks faith with the weapons of doubt, insecurity, and skepticism.
Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects the head from fatal blows. The helmet is perhaps intended as an encouragement to guard the Christian’s mind with hope for the future, confident that God will act to save him or her (Williamson, 196-97). In contrast to the helmet of salvation, the evil one condemns and works to ruin lives.
Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: This is the first offensive weapon. Christians must listen to God’s word (defense) and speak it (offense). Thus, God’s Word is both a good defense and a good offense. To counter, the evil one twists Scripture to distort the truth of God’s Word.
St. Paul concludes his battle image with prayer. Christians are to pray at every opportunity, which includes intercessory prayer. Prayer is the seventh piece of equipment reminding Christians that in this battle, they depend entirely on God. Put on the armor of God and you will be ready to fight the good fight!
~St. Thérèse, pray for us!
Source
Williamson, Peter. Ephesians in Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2009.