Today’s readings:
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
Holy warriors are part of the armies of the living God. Their Commander-in-Chief, Jesus, has already won victory on the cross. He is the Holy One, who is the powerful King of kings. “His right hand and holy arm have won the victory.” (Ps 98:1b). His troops share in that victory.
God intends that victory, the triumph of good over evil, to be extended throughout the whole world. This is done through the proclamation of the gospel of salvation, which is the work of evangelization. So He sends out His holy warriors under orders. “For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47).
The work of evangelization is worldwide. It is to the very peripheries. Thus God’s saving action is intended to reach everyone. “The Lord has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations” (Ps 98:2).
If holy warriors do what they are supposed to do, then the gospel will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Then many who are captives of the evil one will be brought back into the Kingdom of light. “All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.” (Ps 98:3b). Then will there be great rejoicing throughout the whole world. “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.” (Ps 98:4).
And holy warriors, graced by God, obedient to the Commander-in-Chief, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can only rejoice in the bountiful harvest. Beset by oppression and persecution (Acts 13:50), they persevere and carry on, empowered and filled with great joy. “The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52).
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