A friend recently shared with me the difficulties he has at work—toxic atmosphere, disrespect of rules, bullying, and filthy relationships—and he was wondering how to deal with it. As we were talking, St. Paul came to mind with his expression “armor of light” (Rom 13:12). In the letter to the Ephesians, he explains:
“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. (…) So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (6:10-17)
When we think of weapons, we usually don’t think of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God. What different kind of weapons! If we fight with the weapons of darkness, the situation will continue to be dark. Wounds on all sides will increase; grief and wish for revenge will grow. Instead, if we fight back with the weapons of light, light will come onto the scene. We are not supposed to not defend ourselves, because it is evil that we encounter. The question is how we defend ourselves.
“Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Rom 13:12
This is the other way to respond to difficult situations, a way that really helps us to exit the spiral of negativity and violence. Faith, truth, and the word of God is what make us truly strong. This is what protects us. Faith is powerful.
Lord, let me learn to use the weapons of light. I yearn for light and peace. Let me stick with my faith, especially in difficult situations. Let me meditate your word so as to be ready to respond. Let me not be afraid to follow the truth. Let me pursue righteousness. And let me believe that you are the salvation, that you have saved us, that you have already won the battle! On earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Wilde Monk 
In everything and for everything we need our armor, and always keep in mind what our weapons of light are so as not to add more darkness to this world. Thank you Father Mauritius for remembering it to us as something so important for our daily life. From Guatemala, all my love and prayers.
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Great words. Greetings from Norfolk.
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Thank you so much for addressing this question that bothers me since months, if not years. I am with you in what you ate saying, profoundly. However, what if I keep failing….? Over and over again. I ask myself: Is it possible at all for a human being to remain sane in such negative environment?
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Thanks Fr. ; as always your post was right on. While holding to the light can be difficult it’s really the only way to the high road. Visited St. Benedicts in Schuyler this month & said some prayers for you. Peace ! Steve Mitchel
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Lieber Mauritius das war wirklich inspirierend!PeterVon meinem Samsung Galaxy Smartphone gesendet.
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I often take something away from your posts whiich is just what I need to hear. Today is one of those days. Thank you for shining your light on this subject and reminding me that God’s light within us is the most powerful weapon in difficult situations and struggles. Though I hoped to attend your conference at the St. Benedict Center this year, I will be in your native Germany while you are in Nebraska. You will be in my prayers throughout your travels and visit. Please keep me in yours.
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