In today's Gospel reading from Mark 1, Jesus heals a leper. In our first reading from 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites go to battle with the Philistines.
When the Philistines heard that the Israelites were going to bring the ark of the LORD into battle with them, they knew this was going to be a challenge. They could cut and run. But they did the opposite. They said, "Take courage and be manly, Philistines; otherwise you will become slaves to the Hebrews, as they were your slaves. So fight manfully!" The Philistines prevailed.
I'm reminded through this story about how every day is a spiritual battle. We are faced daily with so many temptations and snares of the devil. That's why we should heed the words of those Philistines. Fight manfully! Take all your spiritual weapons into the battle. Claim victory in the mighty name of Jesus!!
Father, give us the grace and strength we need daily to fight manfully against the evil one. Amen.
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