THE BATTLE OF A CHRISTIAN

What is this? Against whom or what does he contend? Hear the blessed Paul who says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual evils in heavenly places."

Do you see the terrible host of enemies and the fierce phalanxes arrayed against you? And, from the same watch tower, you will see another army, stern and cruel against whom you, too, must do battle. This army is made up of adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, poisoning, enmities, contentions, jealousies, altercations, slanderings, whisperings, seditions and others.

St. John Chrysostom

(01-03-04)