Before entering into the theme, let us briefly review the Lenten meditations: the spirit of discernment (discretio) urges us to enter consciously into a spiritual battle. Those who follow Christ know this struggle well. There are, however, two particular circumstances that we must always keep in mind, so that we “do not box as one beating the air” (cf. 1 Cor 9:26):
- The enemy is not only attacking from outside the Church, but also from within, and he has wide areas under his influence.
- He has penetrated right into the hierarchy, and from the very top he is trying to impose his pernicious course on the whole Church.
With this in mind, let us continue to listen to St Paul’s instructions to be prepared for battle: