Ephesians 6: 10-20
Brothers and sisters:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
What Are We Even Doing?
I find myself asking this question quite often. As an educator, such questioning shows up as formative assessment — paying attention to the reality in our schools to see if our mission is lived in a way that is honest and aligned. It makes sense that I assess. That is part of my role as President.
But questioning doesn’t stop at the door of the classroom or the school walls. Lately, What are we even doing? manifests as a plea when looking at the state of our immediate communities and lives of our brothers and sisters around the globe.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians invites us to consider the Ignatian principle agere contra — to act against that which pulls us away from God. Whether it is despair, complacency, or more overt forces that tug on us, the call is the same: put on Christ. Clothed in his love, grace and mercy, we can confront adversity with a compassionate and courageous heart.
So — What are we even doing? We’re suiting up.
—Amanda B. Angaiak is the Director of Catholic Schools of Fairbanks, and President of Monroe Foundation, Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Prayer
Help me to pray, O Lord!
Keep going.
You are with me, God.
Keep going.
My neighbor is so worthy.
Keep going.
Faith is my shield.
Grant me the courage to speak and act as I must.
—Amanda B. Angaiak
—Amanda B. Angaiak