Save us from the hand of our enemies

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - 1st Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 7:7-12*

*First Reading : Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25*

*Save us from the hand of our enemies*

*1) A Sincere Prayer of Esther*

When queen Esther and Her people were in danger of Death, She sincerely  prayed to the Lord 

Her prayer was save us O Lord, from the hands our our enemies

Lord heard the genuine and sincere prayer of Esther for her and for her people and saved them from the clutches of death 

*2) A very necessary and Important prayer*

Among all prayers, one of the important prayers must be the prayer of deliverance from the evil one or from our enemies

Even in the Lord's prayer Jesus taught us this aspect of prayer 

*Deliver us from all evil* This is what we pray in the Lord's prayer. 

So one can imagine the importance of this prayer 

*3) Who is our Enemy?* 

First of all the Satan is our primary enemy. 

*Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.* 1 Pet 5:8

This shows how this enemy is working at all times against us to destroy us and spoil us 

So we need to be very alert

*4) The Other enemies in our Life*

There are group of enemies in our life, who are working against us. They could be named as the following

Sin 

Pride

Arrogance

Anger 

Hatred 

Selfishness

Greed for wordly things 

Greed for sensual desire 

Power

Authority 

Money 

All these work as enemies in our life. We need to pray to the Lord, to deliver us from these 

*5) Aid to Fight against the Enemies*

In our fight against the enemies these things can help us 

Prayer

Fasting 

Almsgiving

Celebration of the sacraments

Adoration

Way of the Cross

Sacrament of reconciliation

Retreats 

Pilgrimages 

Reading of the Scriptures 

Praying Rosary 

Service to the needy 

*6) Lent is a best time to Fight against the Enemies*

Jesus fought against the Satan during those 40 days when he went into the desert 

It was like Lent for Jesus where he spent time in fasting and prayer. During those days Satan came to tempt Him

Jesus fought against the Satan and Satan was defeated by Jesus 

We are in the season of Lent. So it is a best time to fight against our enemies, especially those who destroy our spiritual life 

Those who fight bravely and sincerely they win the battle

Am I ready to fight against the enemy with the Help of God???

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*