Our Struggles … in the Heavens

Some things we experience are so disturbing, for example battles between peoples, the arising of wars, but also fights between individuals, and even struggels within ourselves, that it is difficult to find an explanation, a way to understand. In this distress, the Bible offers a way of interpretation:

“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.” (Eph 6:12)

The enormity of strife and terror can be so overwhelming that an explanation within the framework of our worldly categories is not sufficient in order to comprehend and understand. It is some consolation for us to believe that what is fought out on earth has a counterpart in the spiritual worlds, in the heavens.

“I have seen Satan fall like lightning from heaven”. (Lk 10:18), Jesus said when he rejoiced that his disciples could cast out demons in his name. If this is so, then when we see a hopeless situation on earth, we can turn to our Lord Himself to help us with His spiritual powers and fight the evil from above. This will make all the difference. We can ask him to send his Holy Spirit, whose fruit is peace, joy, gentleness, patience, and self-control, and who is stronger than any evil spirit. And we can turn to Mary, the Mother of God; at the birth of her Son angels proclaimed peace on earth. May she also intercede for us from heaven.

Holy Mary Mother of God, Mother of Grace, You are called the Queen of Peace. We bring you the whole of humanity with its fears and hopes and we ask you: Guide us all in our search for freedom and justice. Guide the steps of all people on the path of peace. Be close to those who suffer and those who flee. Be close to those who govern us to dare to take the steps of peace. O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother!