29 Sept 2019 - As a community that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish calendar, we some times get interesting convergences or juxtapositions. This week, we mark Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) and the Feast of St. Michael and the Angels. Neither of these holidays are biblical, Rev. David Pileggi tells us, but they both speak of spiritual warfare for the followers of the LORD. Rosh Hashana begins preparation for Day of Atonement, a season perhaps analogous to Christian season of Lent. Our reading in Revelation tells of the war in heaven, of Satan being thrown out of heaven so that he is on earth making war with the saints. We are in a spiritual battle. We need to take up arms and fight. How? How do we resist the devil? We remind him of the blood, of Jesus' work on the cross. Like Michael, we say, "The LORD rebuke you." We resist him, through repentence. Spiritual warfare is not confronting the powers and principalities. It's about remembering that the victory the Lord has already won. Remembering that helps us to remain faithful even when all looks hopeless or lost.
Readings: Genesis 22:1-18; Numbers 29:1-6; Revelation 12:7-12
Prayer:
Father Almighty send St. Michael the Archangel to defend us in battle and be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray. And do you, O prince of the heavenly host by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of our souls and bodies. Amen.
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