It is 27th October 2016. The readings are from Ephesians 6:10-20; and the Gospel from Luke 13:31-35. In the first reading St. Paul reminds us that we all have to spiritually equip ourselves to have the spiritual battle fought on a daily basis. “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic power of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph.6:12). In every one of us this battle is being fought every moment of our lives. Many get wounded by the razor blades of the evil. In and around us, many of us submit to the evil when we are not preaching and practicing the gospel of peace. The evil forces wilfully spreading the gospel of division and hatred through our family members, parishioners, friends, relatives and well-wishers. And therefore, “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.” (Eph.6:18). This daily struggle has to be fought with the power of prayer and the Word of God. In addition to that, every believer must be well versed in the doctrines of the Church to fight these lying and gossiping spirits amongst us. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock.” (Ps.143:1). The Gospel brings out the painful moment of Jesus facing a threat from the political power. No threat could stop or alter the plan of God for Jesus. No one can determine your final destination other than God. We must never fear any power whether it is political or ecclesial other than God. Just like Jerusalem, the city of God had the tendency to reject the persons working for God, the place we live and work could be rejecting us and working against us. Let us not fear the dirty and sinful spirits. God is always with us. God will not let us down until God achieves what God has planned for us. Let us glorify God always no matter how gruesome the battle is. The winner is always God and there is none who has the resources to fight against God. God is much stronger than our faith, mightier than our churches and bigger than our pain and suffering that caused by evil. May you have a day full of blessings and protection. God bless you.