The vanquished foe

     As our journey through Holy Week continues, I would like to share the words from Preface II of the Passion of the Lord from the Roman Missal which is prayed this week.  We hear it for only a few days, but its beauty deserves our attention.

"It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father,

almighty and eternal God,

through Christ our Lord.

For the days of his saving Passion

and glorious Resurrection

are approaching,

by which the pride

of the ancient foe

is vanquished

and the mystery of our redemption in Christ

is celebrated.

Through him the hosts of Angels

adores your majesty

and rejoices in your presence forever.

May our voices, we pray,

join with theirs

in one chorus of exultant praise."

 

     We celebrate our redemption in Christ's passion, death and resurrection, but we also celebrate the defeat, the conquering, the vanquishing of the ancient foe.  There are countless enemies facing us in this world and beyond, but none compare to "the ancient foe".  And it is with confident assurance that we acknowledge his being vanquished and the freedom that his defeat brings into our life.  The power of these days awakens in us great joy.