(LifeSiteNews) — Yesterday, the World was busy in its pleasures, and the very children of God were taking a joyous farewell to mirth: but this morning, all is changed.
The solemn announcement, spoken of by the Prophet, has been proclaimed in Sion: (Joel 2) the solemn fast of Lent, the season of expiation, the approach of the great anniversaries of our redemption. Let us, then, rouse ourselves, and prepare for the spiritual combat.
But, in this battling of the spirit against the flesh, we need good armor. Our holy Mother the Church knows how much we need it; and therefore does she summon us to enter into the House of God, that she may arm us for the holy contest. What this armor is we know from St. Paul, who thus describes it:
Have your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the Breast-plate of Justice. And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. In all things, taking the Shield of Faith. Take unto you the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) ….
