1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Luke 5:12-16
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THE WORLD WAR
"Who, then, is conqueror of the world?" —1 John 5:5
During the Christmas season, it becomes even more obvious that there is a battle between Christians and the world. The world is focused on selfishness, pleasure-seeking, the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:16, RSV-CE). Christians focus on Christ, the Father’s will, the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, and humility. Consequently, the world hates Jesus’ disciples as it hates Him (Jn 15:18). Through the Holy Spirit, we Christians have proven the world wrong about sin, justice, and condemnation (Jn 16:8). Through the cross, we have been crucified to the world, and the world to us (Gal 6:14). Therefore, the world hates us. We are going to conquer the world through faith in Jesus as the Son of God (1 Jn 5:5) or be conquered by the world.
We are either “enemies of the cross” or enemies of the world (Phil 3:18; Jas 4:4). The world has already been defeated by Jesus, and it will soon pass away as Jesus returns in glory (1 Jn 2:17). However, we are in “a great war of ignorance” (Wis 14:22), “a great contest of suffering” (Heb 10:32), and “the great period of trial” (Rv 7:14) in which the defeated, departing world tries to deceive us into aligning ourselves with it and into being branded with the mark of the beast (see Rv 13:16-17).
Let us give our lives to Jesus, persevere in serving Him and His Church, and conquer the world. Let us be more than conquerors (Rm 8:37). Reject the world, the flesh, and the devil. Choose Jesus.
Prayer: Father, I will not walk by sight but walk and conquer by faith (2 Cor 5:7).
Promise: "He often retired to deserted places and prayed." —Lk 5:16
Praise: St. Raymond studied Arabic and the Koran to dialogue with Muslims. He utilized this knowledge in authoring the Order for the Redemption of Captives (to redeem Christian prisoners).
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