Episode 2683: The Call to Spiritual Combat - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
The Call to Spiritual Combat and the Glory of Heaven
Tonight, we delve into the courageous example of St. Martin of Tours, a soldier turned saint, who chose to fight not with earthly weapons but with the spiritual armor of Christ. Alongside his story, we’ll reflect on the words of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who reminds us of the beauty and glory awaiting those who persevere in holiness. Together, these insights call us to courage in our earthly struggles and to a vision of the eternal reward for those who are faithful to God.
1. The Call to Spiritual Battle:
St. Martin of Tours is a remarkable example of conversion and dedication to Christ. As a young soldier, he was filled with zeal to defend and protect, yet he came to understand that his true battle was a spiritual one. His words echo the depth of his transformation:
“Now let me fight for God. As for your bonus, let someone who is going to join the battle receive it. I am a soldier of Christ combat is not permitted me.”
In this moment, St. Martin willingly gave up earthly combat, redirecting his courage and strength to the service of God alone. As Christians, we are all called to be soldiers of Christ. This doesn’t mean that we fight with physical weapons but rather that we battle against sin, temptation, and the powers of darkness with the spiritual armor of faith, virtue, and prayer. St. Paul reminds us of this call in his letter to the Ephesians: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
St. Martin’s example teaches us that spiritual courage is found in surrendering our lives to God’s will, choosing His path over any earthly reward. Just as he placed his strength in God, we too are invited to turn our lives and hearts toward Him, becoming soldiers for His kingdom. We fight our battles through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, trusting that God will grant us the grace and strength we need.
2. The Vision of Eternal Glory:
As we engage in this spiritual battle, we are also encouraged by the vision of heaven the reward awaiting those who persevere in holiness. St. Aloysius Gonzaga beautifully describes the saints in heaven, who, having triumphed over the trials of this world, now radiate the splendor of God’s glory:
“O my soul, contemplate the surpassing beauty of these citizens of paradise! They shine like a vast constellation of radiant stars, or even like the sun itself, in the splendid city of God.”
St. Aloysius’s words draw us to the reality of heaven, a place of pure joy and radiant beauty, where those who have loved and served God now enjoy eternal happiness in His presence. For centuries, the Church has pointed to the example of the saints to inspire us to holiness and remind us of the ultimate goal of our lives: eternal union with God. These citizens of paradise men and women who once walked this earth encourage us to strive for holiness, reminding us that the struggles and sacrifices of this life are temporary compared to the eternal joy of heaven.
In the traditional Catholic perspective, we see heaven not only as a reward but as a home prepared for us by our loving Father. The saints there intercede for us, cheering us on as we navigate our own spiritual journeys. They are examples of what it means to live a life of complete devotion, and they reveal to us the indescribable beauty of the heavenly city. Contemplating this reality can give us the hope and endurance to remain faithful to Christ, even in the face of difficulties.
3. Embracing Our Call with Heavenly Vision:
As we continue on our journey, let us be like St. Martin, courageous and dedicated soldiers for Christ, willing to set aside earthly rewards for the sake of the Kingdom. Let us take to heart the vision of St. Aloysius, whose words inspire us to keep our eyes on heaven, to see our lives in light of eternity, and to seek the glory of God above all else.
Our true treasure, as Christ tells us, is not on earth but in heaven, where “moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). This eternal perspective can strengthen us, allowing us to detach from the fleeting concerns of this world and focus on what truly matters: love of God, love of neighbor, and the pursuit of holiness. We are not alone in this pursuit the saints are with us, interceding and guiding us as we strive to become citizens of the heavenly city ourselves.
Conclusion Prayer:
Let us conclude with a prayer, asking for the strength to fight as soldiers of Christ and for the grace to always keep our eyes fixed on heaven.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the saints, for St. Martin’s courage and St. Aloysius’s vision of heaven. We ask You to strengthen us in our own spiritual battles, to grant us the grace to lay down our earthly attachments, and to arm ourselves with faith, hope, and charity.
Lord Jesus, You call us to be soldiers for Your kingdom. Give us the courage to stand firm in the face of temptation, the patience to persevere in times of trial, and the humility to seek Your will above our own. Help us to live each day in the light of eternity, keeping our eyes fixed on You and the joy of heaven.
Holy Spirit, guide us on this path. Fill our hearts with the desire for holiness, that we may one day join the saints in the glorious city of God, shining with the light of Your love.
We ask this through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and all the saints, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.