Training for Battle

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

Some people think that evangelization is mostly getting out there, making connections, getting into discussions, giving a good example to our friends and family, having strong loving relationships, encouraging others, and praying a lot. This is all true, and it is what a faithful apostle does.

An apostle is a warrior for Christ. St. Paul tells us, “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6: 16-17.

A major part of the life of a warrior is training. This is one of the reasons why a couple of us in the Miles Jesu men’s community in Phoenix have been participating in the “Exodus 90” program. I will admit, living in the Miles Jesu men’s community, many of the daily demands of the Exodus 90 program are already met living the Miles Jesu spirit and formation such as reading daily Scripture and reflection, making a Holy Hour, and other pious practices.

The ascetical practices of the Exodus 90 program are a bit more demanding, however, like getting a full night’s sleep, cold showers, exercising three times per week, no unnecessary smartphone/computer/TV, no alcohol, no sugary drinks or sweet foods, no snacking, listening only to music that lifts the soul, limiting spending and giving savings to the poor instead, fasting, and no meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The cold showers are a challenge! A warrior should be tough and self-sacrificing. A soldier of Jesus should be no less. The above practices help us to get ready to go out into the world and do battle against the world and the devil, but not before we prepare by doing battles against the flesh – ourselves. Only then will we be ready for evangelization in the trenches.