October 29, 2026 // Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Reflect on the Word // 

How could he say that about me? When I heard the false accusation a relative had made, everything in me wanted to fight back. But I knew that would only make things worse. It took some time, a conversation with my husband, and a good Confession before I could once more view my loved one as being for me instead of against me.

As I pondered today’s First Reading, the Lord made it clear that I sometimes think it’s me and my prayers against the devil. Although I know that life is full of spiritual battles and no person is my enemy, I am quick to forget what is true. Paul addresses the Ephesians in the plural: “Brothers and sisters: draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).  It would be a fatal mistake to think I could interpret Scripture or profess my faith or even pray all by myself. I’ve tried on my own to use the armor God provides—faith, justice, the Word of God, the good news of peace, prayer, salvation, an awareness of the Saints—to fight against evil. I have learned that I need the wisdom and encouragement of others to stand with me.

Sister, together we are strengthened to shift our perspective from lies to truth and learn what the Word of God has to say to us. I need my husband’s admonition and a priest to hear my Confession and offer absolution. I need brothers and sisters to study God’s Word with me and encourage me in the faith because we never fight alone. 

Only rarely does spiritual battle involve exorcisms or dramatic encounters with demons. More often the battle requires us to speak truth. It might mean staying up late to have a face-to-face conversation with someone who needs a listening ear. It could be identifying and renouncing a lie we have believed and replacing it with truth from God’s Word. All the tools Saint Paul gives us make a difference in our ability to stand together in the midst of whatever the enemy of our souls throws our way. 

Relate to the Lord // Is there a lie you have been believing in this season? Share it with a friend you trust and pray together about it.