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“Militia est vita hominis super terram”
“The life of man on earth is a battle” (Job 7:1)
Introduction: Earth is Not Our Resting Place
We live in times marked by an endless pursuit of comfort, instant gratification, and security. The modern ideal is a life free from suffering, contradictions, or inner struggle. However, the Word of God reminds us of something radically different: man’s life on earth is a militia, a constant battle.
These words, spoken by Job amid suffering, are not merely a complaint, but a profound theological truth: the Christian life is a permanent spiritual combat, a struggle for goodness, for holiness, for truth, and against evil.
Now more than ever, rediscovering this combative dimension of our faith is urgent. Not to become violent or intolerant, but to embrace with maturity the Christian realism: we are in a land of exile, on a battlefield. Victory is promised, but it requires effort.
I. Biblical Context and the Meaning of Job 7:1
The phrase “Militia est vita hominis super terram” comes from the Old Testament, specifically from the Book of Job, one of the most profound wisdom texts. Job, a just and God-fearing man, suddenly finds himself in total affliction. In his lament, he says:
“The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling.” (Job 7:1, Douay-Rheims)
This verse encapsulates a universal human experience: to live is to fight. Not merely in the sense of facing hardships, but in an existential, moral, and spiritual battle.
The Latin term militia refers to military service, a life of discipline, obedience, risk, and exertion. We are not here to settle down but to resist, advance, protect what is good and true, and long for the Kingdom.
II. Christian Tradition: The Church as the “Ecclesia Militans”
From the earliest centuries, the Church has understood her presence in the world in three dimensions:
- The Church Militant: the faithful on earth, fighting the good fight.
- The Church Suffering: souls in purgatory, undergoing purification.
- The Church Triumphant: the saints rejoicing in God’s glory in heaven.
We who still walk the earth form part of the Ecclesia Militans, the Church in combat. This does not mean we live with hatred or violence, but with the awareness that we are in a spiritual battlefield, with visible and invisible enemies, and a mission to fulfill.
St. Paul puts it clearly in his letter to the Ephesians:
“Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)
III. Spiritual Combat: Enemies, Weapons, and Strategy
1. The Enemies
The Christian does not fight against people, but against three major spiritual enemies:
- The Devil: the tempter, the accuser, who seeks to lead us away from God.
- The World: the anti-Christian mindset that seduces with false promises.
- The Flesh: our disordered passions, selfishness, and spiritual laziness.
2. The Weapons of the Christian
St. Paul provides a list of the necessary spiritual armor:
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith… and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14-17)
Main weapons:
- Firm faith
- Persevering prayer
- Frequent sacraments
- Penance
- Spiritual direction
- Study of Scripture and Magisterial teaching
3. Spiritual Strategies
- Interior vigilance: not living on autopilot, but with spiritual attentiveness.
- Daily examination of conscience: reviewing the day in the light of God.
- Frequent confession: a powerful tool for healing and strength.
- Fasting and sacrifices: to discipline the will and purify the heart.
- Cultivation of virtue: especially humility, chastity, patience, and temperance.
IV. Christ, the Gentle Warrior: Our Model
Jesus Christ is the true Captain of this militia. He did not come with material swords, but with the cross. His battle was against sin, lies, hatred, and death. And He won.
“Do not think that I came to bring peace upon the earth. I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
This phrase shocks us if not rightly understood. Jesus does not promote violence, but the necessary division between light and darkness, between truth and falsehood. His sword is the Word that pierces the soul (Hebrews 4:12).
He shows us how to fight: with gentleness, firmness, prayer, surrender, truth, and radical love.
V. Practical Applications for Daily Life
A. In the Family
- Educating children in the faith requires effort, example, and patience. It’s not about “letting them choose,” but forming soldiers of Christ.
- Protect the home with daily prayer, blessing of the house, sacred images, and sacramental life.
B. In the Workplace
- Bear witness to Christ with integrity and without shame of your faith.
- Resist corruption, dishonesty, and superficiality.
- Do not remain silent in the face of injustice or make peace with moral mediocrity.
C. In Personal Life
- Set times for prayer, moments of silence, and spiritual reading.
- Fight sin with humility and consistency. Holiness is not the absence of struggle but faithfulness amid it.
- Do not give up. Perseverance is the key to victory.
VI. The Role of Mary in Our Battle
The Virgin Mary is the great ally of Christians. She crushes the serpent’s head (cf. Genesis 3:15), intercedes for us, and leads us as General of the heavenly army.
The Holy Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons. As Sister Lucia of Fatima said:
“There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that cannot be resolved by praying the Rosary.”
VII. A Daily Practical Guide to Live as a Soldier of Christ
Weekly Spiritual Battle Plan:
| Day | Concrete Action |
|---|---|
| Monday | Offer the day as a sacrifice; choose a small voluntary penance |
| Tuesday | Pray the Rosary with the intention of conversion |
| Wednesday | Read the Gospel for 15 minutes and meditate on it |
| Thursday | Visit the Blessed Sacrament or do in-depth spiritual reading |
| Friday | Partial fast or voluntary abstinence |
| Saturday | Consecration to Mary and weekly examination of conscience |
| Sunday | Attend Holy Mass with fervor and gratitude |
VIII. Conclusion: The Combat That Leads to Glory
The struggle is real, but not meaningless. Christ has already won. Spiritual combat is not a condemnation, but a path of transformation, purification, and true freedom. We are not defeated fighters struggling to survive, but redeemed warriors marching toward victory.
Always remember:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
For Today’s Meditation:
- Am I aware that my spiritual life is a battle?
- What weapons am I using, and which have I neglected?
- Am I fighting with Christ or without Him?
You are not alone! Fight, resist, pray, love. Heaven is worth it.
The Christian’s militia does not end in the grave. It ends in glory.
