Msgr. Pope on the Battle Theme of Lent

"A brief observation of the first two days in Lent reveals militaristic, even violent imagery in the battle against sin and the unruly passions of the flesh. . . 

"'Battle,' 'weapons,' and 'armed' all clearly have military connotations, but so does the phrase 'campaign of Christian service' if we look at the Latin text: praesidia miltiae Christianae. The service or action (praesidia) is one of Christian battle or militancy (militiae). This refers to the Church Militant - the Church here on earth - waging war against sin and the kingdom of darkness."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the militaristic imagery of Lent and on the importance of taking up our cross daily.

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

Community in Mission: The Battle Theme of Lent (6 MAR 19)