The Catholic Defender: The Importance For Pre-Combat Checks

Catholics are born for combat, Pope Leo XIII once wrote:

"To recoil before an enemy, or to keep silence when from all sides such clamors are raised against truth, is the part of a man either devoid of character or who entertains doubt as truth of what he professes to believe. The only ones who win when Christians stay "quiet" are the enemies of truth. The silence of Catholics is particularly disturbing because frequently a few bold words would have vanquished the false ideas."

Before we went on missions, it is very important for Squad Leaders perform Pre-Combat Checks. The Soldier is responsible to make sure they have all their gear before they go outside the wire. That helps protect the Soldier as well as the team.

Everyone must be in the correct uniform with the required equipment. Different MOS may have equipment that is required for a specific duty such as a Medic will have his Medical Aid Bag. Each vehicle will be loaded according to load plan. Once the Squad Leader does his checks, then the Patrol Leader will ensure that there is another Pre-Combat Check before they pull out to catch those things that slip under the radar. Hearing protection, personal medical pouch, correct number of Magazines just to name a few items. Accountability is very important to the success of any mission. The Same can be said about our Faith. Families should ensure that they are living their faith in the home. Hopefully, children are learning the basics. The Priest is the immediate leader of the Community, kind of like a Company Commander. He is responsible to the Bishop of the Diocese and so there is a Chain of Command. The Priest should be reinforcing the Parents ensuring that the youth are getting the required basics for Confirmation. That should be the intent of all Parents, to ensure that their children are being properly prepared for all the Sacraments.

How many Parents would send their football players to a game without their proper gear? Yet, how many Children are being properly prepared to go to any public School, or any event in public where the faith is not supported. It is like going out side the wire. We need to ensure that we have conducted Pre-Combat Checks ensuring that we have dawned on the whole armor of Christ.

St. Paul says "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothes with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one".

It is important when Christian Soldiers go out on the perimeter that they have done their "pre-combat checks"! A clean heart is essential carrying a Catholic Bible, Rosary, Catholic Catechism, anything needed for any mission the Lord offers.

Padre Pio called the Rosary the "Weapon" because the effect it has in daily prayer. It is a must for any Christian to use. To receive the Sacraments especially Confession and the Eucharist are most important. Eucharistic Adoration is essential where ever offered.

Galatians 5:22 are important evidences that a Christian bears the fruits of the Holy Spirit and is confident for the Lord and His Mother's service: Love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Then you can know you can handle the Sword of the Spirit!