The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. ~ G.K. Chesterton
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ~ Jesus Christ (John 13:15)
There are times in history where the course of human events is determined for centuries to come.
Some of these are sublime: The Birth of Jesus Christ, the election of St. John Paul II, and the conversion of millions in Mexico by the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These seem to be a spontaneous, sublime, subtle, and yet powerful mystical intervention in human history. Few, if any, could see or understand the widespread historical importance of the event at the moment it occurred. The measure of these gifts is not understood for decades as their span reaches for centuries.
Other of these events are not sublime or benevolent but rather rooted in evil. They are fought to the death. The epic battles which have shaped the world include Normandy, Battle of Vienna, and Lepanto. These battles were fought against great odds, with astounding courage and at a great cost for those who charged into war. The outcome of war is never certain! But in these cases, victory was obtained, and the fruit endured.
It is in war that the quotes above of Chesterton and Jesus become most manifest. On these battlefields the acts of courage and the decisions of valor and faith are played out. Here the measure of love spelled out by Jesus becomes most evident.
But is this the real war? Or is there something more? Could wars be the physical manifestation of the spiritual battle that has broken through?
Don’t get me wrong. War is real, it is horrible, people die, and lives are forever changed. But cannot the same be said of the ever-raging battle between good and evil. It is satan’s singular goal to destroy all that God loves, especially us! Evil is real, it is horrible, people pass into eternal suffering and lives are enslaved in sin. In comparing the two battles, which one is to be feared most?
So which battle is the most important, the terrestrial battle or the spiritual battle? One is transient. The other is eternal. And once you determine that answer you must then choose your weapon accordingly!
To fight physically is different than to fight spiritually; and the weapons are different as well. Fighting on the battlefield you want weapons that are better and more effective than your opponent both in capability and in quantity. For these factors determine the outcomes of war. Or do they?
If these are the sole factors of war then Normandy, Battle of Vienna, and Lepanto should each have ended differently. So, what is the factor that tilted these battles?
Hint: “Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?” (Song of Solomon)
There is a fabulous video I have shared with friends and family. So now I share it with you. It explains the weapon of the spiritual battle – the Rosary. It’s about an hour-long commitment of time and attention. However, the audio is more important than the video, which makes this great commute time listening.
The video by Fr. Don Calloway explains the power of the Rosary and of Our Lady. After you listen to it ask yourself would you be willing to enter battle without it.
In the spiritual world our Nation is under grave attack. America is a most important target of evil because of our rich history of faith and love. There seems to be an ever-increasing breakthrough of the spiritual battle into our physical world. Now is the time when we should petition Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America with urgency and haste. The Rosary is the most powerful way to seek the intercession of our Queen.
If we ask, she will respond. If she responds evil has no hope. It’s that simple!
Listen to the video and let me know what you think.
Beautiful. Would like to put that clip on my facebook page. 🙂
Please do!