“Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth” (Eph 6:14).
If we do not live in the truth, how can we resist in such an unequal battle against “the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12)?
We must be firmly rooted in the truth, so that it will wrap around us like a belt and hold all the armor together. Every lie, every ambiguity, every vagueness, every error, every sin, in some way opens the doors to the forces of evil to fight against us and to draw us away from God.
But our Father has established us firmly in the truth. He sent us His own Son, who says of Himself that He is the truth (Jn 14:6). If we listen to Him and live according to His will, we will be protected and prepared for the battle.
The Church offers us all the means to counteract our weaknesses and strengthens us with the bread of the angels.
But we must all be aware that in order to really fight and take our place in God’s army, we must live in a state of grace, or at least do our utmost to be in such a state. Otherwise, the battle is lost before it even begins.
Once our loins are girded by living in the truth, we must rely first and foremost on God’s call to be able to resist in the battle. This is where the gift of fortitude comes to our aid, enabling us to stand firm and armed for the inevitable battle. Let us consider it an honor to be able to fight this noble battle, knowing that the heavenly Church will always be at our side.