Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot

You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will leave your corpse and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field; thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God. All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle is the LORD's and he shall deliver you into our hands.

We might be terrified by the trials we must face in life and be tempted to retreat from them. However, if we seek to do good and trust in the Lord, then God will grant us victory. It might not be how we imagined things, but He will bring good out of our actions if we are willing to do His Will without fear or even in spite of it. When we confront our challenges, we should do so not armed with worldly thoughts, words, or works, but with confidence that God’s Grace will provide us all we need to succeed. If we do everything in the name of the Lord of hosts, then God will deliver us from all evil and give us triumph over every obstacle. God wants us to be armed with faith, hope, and love... and if we put on Christ in such a way, then we shall win the battles we need to and have spiritual triumphs over sin and death.

How can we conquer our fear of difficulties? What can we do to become more trusting and confident in the Lord? Are we willing to let God arm us as He wishes and at the time of His choosing?

O Lord, arm us with your grace and armor us with your love.

Amen.