Saturday after Theophany. Synaxis of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John.
Ephesians 6:10-17; Acts 19:1-8; Matthew 4:1-11; John 1:29-34.
Read Ephesians 6:10-17
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
St. Paul, in our reading today gives us a reminder that we would sometimes prefer to forget: we are in fact at war. With the invasion of Ukraine continuing, we are frequently reminded in the news of battles of flesh and blood, but St. Paul states that the Church is not at war with people but fighting an unseen war against Satan and his demonic minions. Although this battle has been decisively won by Christ, the devil still fights a retreating battle and is dangerous until his ultimate judgement at Our Lord’s return.
What is our protection? The armor of God, which is Christ Himself! When a newly baptized Christian enters the faith, and on certain great feasts which have historically featured collective baptisms, we sing the amazing troparion of our enlistment: “All you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, Alleluia!” Jesus Christ is truth and righteousness and is our belt and breastplate in this battle. He is the sword and shield of our warfare.
Let us take spiritual warfare seriously, recognizing that we fight an enemy that neither rests nor sleeps and is bent on our destruction. Yet, at the same time hold to the truth that he is powerless to the Real Victor whom we have put on through Baptism- Christ Himself!