Msgr. Pope on Lack of Readiness for Spiritual Combat

A disturbing report came from the Pentagon in 2014 that speaks to the overall condition of our country. Here is a summary:

"Nearly 71 percent of the 34 million 17-to-24-year-olds in the U.S. do not qualify for military service for reasons related to health, physical appearance, and educational background, according to the Pentagon.

"Obesity is the most common reason for being turned away, but others are disqualified because they lack a high school diploma/GED, are convicted felons, or are taking prescription drugs for ADHD. From a cosmetic standpoint, ear gauges and certain tattoos. While some requirements can be waived, others cannot. . . .

"There are of course many standards by which to judge the health of a nation, but military readiness is surely one of them. As Rome declined something similar happened. The Roman Army was increasingly staffed by mercenaries, many of whom were barbarians or slaves. Roman citizens lost interest in defending their land, but they also lost their fitness for such duty through luxurious living, weight gain, alcoholism, and sexually transmitted diseases. . . .

"Of course I am a priest, not a sociologist, nutritionist, or doctor; but nothing in this report bodes well for us. On a spiritual level, it also speaks to our difficulty in accepting and being ready for sacrifice. Indeed, there is more than a physical war to be fought; there is also a spiritual one."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the necessity of lamenting the lack of readiness for spiritual combat as we mourn the loss of battle-readiness in our nation and of the opportunity Lent provides to "do some spiritual pushups and to take up the fuller armor of God."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Are You Battle-Ready for the Army of the Lord? (23 FEB 18)