Christ reveals the Father’s love as an Incarnate relationship with man. It is easy to spot in the order of the cosmos that there is some force, some agency bigger than you and me that sustains it all. Science – man’s study of the cosmos – depends upon this hierarchical structure, for without the dependence upon the general principles of order, we could never surmise or come to grips with things that reveal disorder, for disorder is the lack of order, natural or supernatural. When someone wants to make the argument to deny God’s existence because there is a perceived evil in the world, my response is this: The mere fact that we attribute “evil” in the world as a “disorder” at all presumes our adherence to something and someone that brings order about. If anything, the one who seeks to use evil as an argument against God’s existence actually presumes God’s created order in the world. And that order is apparent to anyone with eyes to see or ears to hear. Look around and you can see that God’s majestic Hand has created the cosmos, hear the birds’ call and understand that there is a divine plan written in the fabric of all things both great and small. All heaven and earth declare the glory of God. But, more to the point, what Jesus reveals in Himself is not the mere fact that God exists, rather Jesus’ own person reveals the nature of God’s goodness. For Jesus is the God-man, the One who left Heaven so that man could be found. Jesus reveals the LOVE that animates all creation, and Jesus took our humanity Himself so that He could refashion our broken hearts after His own! The great power of Jesus’ public ministry not only reestablishes man’s confidence in God’s presence among His people, but displays His own interior life for man to regain purchase in Divine Life. The Life of Jesus opens up for man the life between Father, Son, and Spirit, and admits us into His own life for the sake of our friendship with Him. This demonstrates once again the truth that God is forever faithful, despite man’s infidelity.

Ephesians 6:10: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. St. Paul talks about putting on the armor of God so that we can affront the attacks of the devil. But, it is not a passage that is meant to be read in isolation, and the context makes all the difference. Here’s what we know: Sin opens the door to the evil one because it is a rejection of God’s goodness and His plan for one’s life. This door is a rejection of not only God’s goodness but also of God’s authority. The devil’s schemes are meant to entice us to continue to make choices that thwart the work that God wants to do in our lives. The effect of sin in life is disorder and chaos, which is amplified by the devil’s attacks. That is why St. Paul talks first about the spiritual forces that fight against “rulers and authorities.” Now… take this passage into context and we learn a great deal about what St. Paul is trying to drive home: Let’s read the few verses previous. Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]