Psalm 125 • 1 Kings 18:1-18 • Ephesians 6:10-17
In the Letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes about spiritual weapons at our disposal against evil. His advice evokes images of war. Even in 2020, this jars with Advent. We are focused on seeking God’s incarnate presence in our lives. But let’s recall that Advent is also a season to look forward to the second coming of Christ.
Paul knew that the spiritual forces of evil that put Jesus on the cross were still at work in Ephesus. They are still at work today. In the Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis says that most people prefer to either ignore the forces of evil altogether or to take an unhealthy interest in everything demonic. We pretend they do not exist or we obsess with them. Paul instructs us to be aware. As followers of the Christ, we’re engaged in a spiritual struggle against the cosmic powers of evil. “You are up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help that you can get.” Hearing this advice, I get glimpses of Fellowship of the Ring as they trek to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring. As spiritual beings having a human experience, we are always on such a journey. Paul bids us to take all the help we can get. “Put on the whole armor of God.” He tells us that truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. We need to live them out.
Gracious God, bless our Advent journey. Help us to be steadfast
followers of your Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.
Santi Rodriguez
Diocese of Virginia
MDiv Class of 2021
Seminary of the Southwest
Listen to Santi read his meditation and prayer:
Santi Rodriguez is a seminarian at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. He is a husband and father. Santi’s particular areas of interest are spirituality in pop culture, discernment, and Ignatian spirituality. He is passionate about running, backpacking, and hiking with his family and their two dogs, Mia and Bleu. he/él.
The Advent Meditations and Prayers are a gift to our seminary community and are made possible through gifts to our Annual Fund. Seminary of the Southwest appreciates the support of its friends, alumni, and the communities around the world that its graduates serve for the glory of God. This support ensures that Southwest, as an institution made of individuals dedicated to service to God and their fellow members of the body of Christ, can continue doing its part to build the body of Christ.
