God has given us of His Spirit and empowered us to Love | PadreCast Penetcost Sunday

But who does (Saint Paul) say specifically are our enemies? Is it our spouse? Our children? Co-workers? Bosses? Politicians? Those people that won't get out of the left hand lane on the highway when they're driving too slow? Are they our enemies?

It may feel like it at times, and I think when we fail to love these individuals, in our mind we actually believe they are our enemy. That's our mistake.

Saint Paul tells us who our enemies are: they are the devil and the evil spirits. ... He doesn't mean the human rulers, he's talking about the demonic ones.

Saint Paul is letting us know that to follow the Spirit, to learn to speak that universal language of love - which is ultimately the perfect way to preach the Gospel - you must do battle. ... It's never against another human per se, that's just an instrument. It's always against the evil spirits....

So the Armor of God is meant to help us fight evil spirits. It's one of the great lies of the devil and his demons that they try to convince the world they don't even exist. Because then you won't fight them! You will just blame your neighbor for why you're not loving.

It's the common thing we all do right? "I would be a much more patient and loving person if they had not" Or "if they would just" and you fill in the blank of whatever situation you find yourself in.

It's so common for us to blame others for our lack of love. And it's never their fault. It's never anyone else's fault. Why? Because Jesus loved even in the midst of very bad people who did nothing but reject Him, and torture Him, and kill Him. ...

Do you think we have an excuse when we die and go before the judgement seat of God? ... We will be judged accordingly. There will be no excuses at our judgement before the Throne of God. Don't fall into the mistake of thinking there will be.

Know who you are battling.

So when you are driving on the highway and that person just won't move over - even when they can! - instead of getting angry at them, realize in the moment the demon tempting you to judgement and hatred. That's the one you must battle. And you do that with the Armor of God.

In Ephesians chapter 6, Saint Paul points out to us the tools we need to use to help us in this spiritual battle. (Father explains each piece in detail)

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. - Eph 6:10-18

 

Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23

 

You may watch the mass in its entirety on our Youtube channel. Homily begins at 20:14