The Helmet of Salvation. Your fifth piece of armor in the spiritual battle. Its spiritual identity, another virtue. To find out which virtue, listen to Richaél Lucero. She learned the answer from St. Paul himself. Got instruction on its use from St. John Chrysostom. And practical advice from St. Cyprian of Carthage. You’ll also hear some insights from two of your fellow listeners.

This series combines a bible study on the armor of God and spiritual warfare. Each episode goes over one of seven pieces of armor. This is armor piece number one. 

SHOW NOTES

Episodes referenced

Scriptures referenced

The seven pieces of armor that make up the armor of God.

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with [the belt of] truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace;besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:14-18

The fifth piece of armor.

And take the helmet of salvation,…

Ephesians 6:17

St. Paul’s other reference to the helmet of salvation.

…put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Three scriptures on the power of hope.

Hope does not disappoint.

Romans 5:5

Hope is a sure and steadfast anchor to the soul.

Hebrews 6:19

Rejoice in our hope, and be patient in tribulation.

Romans 12:12

Quotes referenced

How hope is expressed and nourished in prayer.

Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer. Especially the Our Father. The Our Father is the summary of everything that hope leads us to desire.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1820

The helmet of the hope of salvation will keep my mind on the kingdom of heaven and trusting in God’s providence.

And for a helmet the hope of salvation. For as the helmet guards the vital part in us, surrounding the head and covering it on every side, so also this hope keeps one from faltering,…For it is not possible that one who is fortified with such arms as these, should ever fall.

St. John Chrysostom, Homily 9 on First Thessalonians

An awesome exhortation about the Helmet of salvation that directs our attention to the hope of the kingdom of Heaven.

let us take also for protection of our head the helmet of salvation, 

that our ears may be guarded from hearing the deadly edicts; 

that our eyes may be fortified, that they may not see the odious images; 

that our brow may be fortified, so as to keep safe the sign of God; 

that our mouth may be fortified, that the conquering tongue may confess Christ its Lord: 

… hereafter to receive from the Lord the reward of heavenly crowns. 

St. Cyprian of Carthage, Epistle 55

A sassy reminder that the heavenly crown cannot be earned. It is a gift.

let not the head be swollen, that it may receive the crown…if your own merits have gone before you, God says to you, “Examine well your merits, and you will see that they are My gifts.”

St. Augustine, Sermon 81 on the New Testament

listener shares referenced

• A reflection on a reflection of the Gospel of Peace. Shared by Susan. Reflections with Morning Coffee: 365 Daily Devotions for Busy People by Sister Vassa Larin.

• How to Gird Up Your Loins: An Illustrated Guide by The Art of Manliness Podcast. Shared by David.