Spiritual warfare can sound dramatic, even outdated, until you realize Scripture speaks of it plainly. On Trending with Timmerie, Father Ambrose Christie, a Norbertine priest from St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, California, explains that this battle is not against “flesh and blood,” but against spiritual forces that seek to pull us away from God.
“It really is a battle,” Father Ambrose says. At its heart, spiritual warfare is the struggle against our fallen nature and the temptations of the devil, “who is trying to ruin our salvation.” Yet this is not a message of fear. It is a call to confidence in Christ.
“The most important thing is to recognize just how victorious our Lord Jesus Christ is and has been for us,” he explains. “He conquered death and the devil on the Cross.” Because of that victory, Catholics are not left defenseless. Through Baptism and Confirmation, we are strengthened for the fight. Through the sacraments, we share in Christ’s triumph.
The “recipe for victory,” Father Ambrose says, is simple: “Practicing our faith and receiving the sacraments worthily. That’s really it.” Frequent Mass, staying in a state of grace, and running to the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we fall are vital to our salvation.
He strongly recommends going to confession at least once a month, even if we are not conscious of mortal sin. Each confession brings “a powerful outpouring of grace,” helping us recognize patterns of weakness and resist future temptation. The devil, he warns, often tempts us to delay: to think we do not need confession or that it can wait. But postponement weakens resolve.
“One of the great truths of the spiritual war that we’re in is that your resolve, the firm commitment of your will, is going to do much more to put the devil to flight than practically anything else,” Father Ambrose says.
Spiritual warfare is real. So is Christ’s victory. When we choose prayer, Mass, and regular confession, we stand firmly on the winning side.
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.