19th Sunday Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

The tie in between today’s readings: Fighting the good fight

Psalm 33:1; 12-22, Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2; 8-19, Luke 12:32-48

It is a few hours until dawn. The airstrikes had been relentless since the day before, wreaking havoc on the remnants of a rebel stronghold dug in on the crest of the hill. Captain Davis reads the report from his last patrol and crumples it up as tight as the knot in his stomach. He calls for his exhausted and battered troops to assemble. Whatever happens, it will be over today.

Davis summons his courage, surveys the scene, and addresses his men. “At ease,” he begins, “The enemy will have us surrounded soon and I expect their attack at first light. The last message from headquarters many days ago read: ‘Hold until relieved.’ I will continue to act upon those orders, because I believe Command is coming.” (Hebrews 11:1).

“We are all volunteers here, the conditions that you soldiers are enduring undoubtedly tests the metal and motives of your convictions. If there are any here that wish to return home before the fighting, now is the time. Judgment will come from your conscience and One greater than I, but not from me.” (Hebrews 11:15, Luke 12:45-47)

A smattering of soldiers step forward and disarm.

“Sergeant, escort these men out of camp.” All wait in silence until they leave. Captain Davis continues his remarks: “Those men are not cowards! They are lost! They forgot why they were here. But not you men…NOT YOU! You remember very well how things drastically changed from the beginning to create the unbearable conditions of today. We look back and agonize to return to the former days. We worked within the system only to be betrayed by those in power. We were helpless, hopeless, and pitiful until the prophets came among us and cried ‘NO MORE’…then everything changed.” (Wisdom 18:6-9).

Davis gazes at his men, and proceeds: “The first prophet, who with eyes of faith, claimed His inheritance and staked out a new beginning, a new country in the desert. The man who laid everything on the altar and inspires us to sacrifice and take our places as the children of that one true nation! The middle prophet, brought the beginning of that nation into being against tremendous odds. The last Prophet, the greatest of all, commands us today to stand steadfast in the assurance of victory!” (Hebrews 11:8-10;17, Psalm 33:12)

“We share in their vision and carry on in the faith of those that have died in this struggle,” (he pauses in remembrance and continues more passionately), “They did not receive the promise, but they live in us as we battle, as they did, to secure our shared destiny…AND WE SHALL! NO MORE will we be strangers in our own land! NO MORE will we grovel! NO MORE will we die with our faces in the dirt! We have LOOKED UP and seen that bright city on a hill. We KNOW there is a land for us called “HOME”. WE STAND and take our place as its citizens. We MARCH even now toward its borders. And we FIGHT any and all who oppose us. We shall win the day for ourselves and all who share in our calling. WE WILL NOT BE DENIED!!!” (Hebrews 11:13-14;16)

The Captain begins walking among the ranks: “So get ready! Stay sharp! The battle is upon us. Today, we are all brothers in blood! I expect every man to do his duty. Command is coming! We shall fight and hold until relieved. Command is coming! We shall never waver. Command is coming! Victory and glory are ours! We are FIERCE! FORMIDABLE! FATAL! There is NO RETREAT! NO SURRENDER! NO FEAR! Because Command is coming, COMMAND IS COMING! COMMAND…IS…COMING! NOW GO!!!” (Luke 12:35-37, Psalm 33:20-22)

The determined soldiers scramble to their positions and prepare for dawn.

Back at headquarters, General Masters checks the latest intel from their pirated satellite. He smiles. “Patch me into the troops,” he orders. “Men, in a very short time, we will launch our offensive. The enemy has shifted his position toward Captain Davis’ corps on hill 666. He believes his overwhelming force will sweep them from the face of the earth. But he is gravely mistaken. He is, in reality, exposed and vulnerable. Today, we will strike THE final fatal blow. Stay steady. Follow your orders. The battle is ours! Now, let’s rescue those brave men and end this thing. Masters out.” (Psalm 33:13-19).

Let us never forget that we are in a war. Jesus by His Cross and resurrection has already won the battle over sin and death. Our adversary, the Devil, is defeated, but not confined. Until the Lord comes to claim His kingdom, we are the rebels on the Evil one’s turf. So, for now, things will be getting worse for the Christian…much worse. Christ, the Lord of hosts, has enlisted us in His army to finish the gospel work started so many centuries ago. So, put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Always remember that our real battle is spiritual and so we must advance on our knees in prayer. Keep up the struggle in the pursuit of personal holiness, love of neighbor, and salvation of souls. Do not grow weary or discouraged. When things get tough remember…victory is already ours! Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might! Look up! Christ, our Commander, is coming! Praise His name! Maranatha!