When we’re worn out and tired and experiencing spiritual burnout, the question looms: where do I go from here? I—as many ordinary Catholics—occasionally find myself in this state. Lately I’ve been thinking more deeply about the spiritual warfare aspect of spiritual burnout. I talked about it in a recent special episode that I produced for paid members of my Locals community and I wanted to share this fundamental segment with the general audience. It may be hard to see how spiritual burnout and spiritual combat are connected. But a clear understanding of what exactly is meant by “spiritual combat” may help you to make better sense of it in your own life.
A Reflection on Spiritual Warfare
Not long ago, I shared a video on socials, stressing that confirmation is not simply a Catholic graduation. Rather, it marks our entry into a battlefield of spiritual warfare. While some people prefer to focus more on Jesus than on spiritual conflict, both aspects are, in fact, intertwined. As all human combat (temporal warfare) is about the objective, not the combat itself, pursuing Jesus is the objective of spiritual combat.
Unlike traditional warfare, spiritual conflict is about the ongoing pursuit of Jesus, a pursuit accompanied and sometimes hindered by adversarial forces. It’s not about wielding weapons or engaging in literal battles but seeking holiness as we grow closer and closer to Jesus. Paradoxically, though we are ever in pursuit of him, he’s actually standing with us in this fight.
Standing with Jesus
In our pursuit of Jesus, we’re not just striving for closeness to an unattainable figure. We are already with Him, but striving to grow closer to him. He is ever-near, and yet ever “far” because we’re always trying to be closer to him—and closer to his likeness. The resistance we encounter often come in the form of temptations—temptations of the world, the flesh, and even the devil. It’s an important part of the journey, and of the spiritual conflict that is a purifying fire that makes us stronger.
Ultimately, spiritual combat is about more than fighting adversities; it’s about a relentless pursuit of Jesus. Each step closer to Him strengthens us and our resolve to live out our faith amidst life’s challenges.
