At first sight this might be considered an odd title for a retreat. Yet the notion of ‘spiritual combat’ is deeply rooted in the scriptures and the monastic tradition. St Benedict reminds his monks in the Prologue of the Rule that they have come to the monastery ‘to do battle for the true King’, so clearly there is a false king.
In the 13-15 February retreat at Ampleforth Abbey, Abbot Robert reminded the twenty-two participants that ‘spiritual warfare’ is rooted in the teaching of St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (6:14-20). Paul invites us to ‘put on the whole armour of God’, because our fight is not simply with human forces but against the ‘spiritual forces of darkness’. Even the briefest glance at our world reveals that all is not well.
Abbot Robert therefore took the retreatants on a journey in which he asked key questions: What are we to fight for? Who are we fighting against? What are the essential weapons in the spiritual life that lead to victory?
Through the scriptures, the teaching of the Church and from practical experience of life, Abbot Robert encouraged those taking part to awaken to their God-given inheritance and to stand firm in faith through the sacraments, the Word of God and through prayer, to put on the armour of God and to grow as children of the light.
If you would like to know more then visit Home Retreats where Abbot Robert is exploring these themes.
