The term “target hardening” generally refers to strengthening the security of a site against attack. It’s something we may hear or read about after terrorist attacks, mass shootings and the like. Some facilities, due to a paucity of security measures, may be “soft targets,” offering a relatively low level of protection against intruders. Attackers may gain access more easily, wreak havoc and cause harm as a result. But, with prudential preparation, these sites can be hardened, making them less vulnerable. And what about our souls? Are they “soft targets;” do they need some “hardening” against intruders? Can we make them more protected and less vulnerable to spiritual attack?
Target Hardening Against the Troublesome Trio
Every day, you and I face challenges to our sanctity, to our ongoing growth in union with God. These challenges, like the terrorists and shooters in our physical world, want to harm us. They want to take us out, to knock us off the narrow way. They can and will harm us if we don’t pay attention to target hardening for our heart and soul.
So, who are these potential intruders bent on destroying us, against whom we need to fight? It’s that troublesome trio comprised of the world, the flesh, and the devil that continues to pose difficulties in our quest for holiness.
The call of the stuff of this world–the things, the culture–will get in the way of our relationship with God if we’re not careful. The flesh–our own concupiscence–needs continual taming in some way. And the devil “…prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Fortification With God’s Grace
Without target hardening, one or more members of the troublesome trio can drag us down. No matter where we are in our interior lives–beginner, intermediate or advanced–we will face ongoing threats to our soul and sanctification. But we are not helpless. With God’s grace and our cooperation with His grace, we can successfully defend against these challenges. (cf. Phil 4:13, 2 Cor 12:9)
Each of us needs to employ a strategy to fortify our souls. Although the particular strategy and tactics will vary from individual to individual, the following ideas may be useful to some. This article assumes that you are, as a baseline, at least attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. It also assumes you’re going to confession when in mortal sin and hopefully at least monthly otherwise.
Daily Mental Prayer
We must spend time with the Lord to grow in our relationship with Him. This, in turn, allows us to learn to hear His word, and to be able to discern His word from our own imagination and from that of the enemy. Consider devoting a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes a day (preferably more) in mental prayer with the Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Some tips on how to pray with Scripture can be found here and here.
If you haven’t already, make this a daily priority. To put on the armor of God, (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18) we need to know Him intimately and be able to discern his voice from the voice of the world, our own delusional self-talk and that of the enemy. Everyone should be able to find 10 minutes a day to begin doing this, day in and day out. Make a habit out of it, praying at the same time, in the same space, every day.
Offer Up Your Day
At the beginning of the day, perhaps even before your feet hit the floor, offer up your day to the Lord. Consider praying something like the following, or your adaptation of it, for example:
O Jesus, with and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, the conversion of sinners, the intentions of the Holy Father this month in alignment with Your active will, and for […any personal intention of yours…].
Amen.
Prayers like this, adapted from one written in the 19th century by Fr. François-X. Gautrelet, offer up the whole day to God. They help set a spiritual tone for the day’s activities, reminding us why we’re here and Who is here with us through it all.
Spiritual Growth Opportunities
St. Ignatius of Loyola tells us, in his Rule 14 for discernment of spirits, that the devil is like an enemy commander circling our spiritual forts, looking for weak areas (“soft spots”) in which to attack us. In other words, the devil and his helpers home in on our weaknesses, our sinful habits, the places where our virtues need the most work. So, can you identify the soft spots in your spiritual fortress at this time? If not, it’s a good time to begin doing so, with some graced introspection. This is not navel-gazing, mind you; rather, it’s praying for the Lord to show you where your spiritual growth opportunities lie.
Awareness and the Examen
Looking for spiritual growth opportunities–those “soft spots” in the spiritual fortress–can be quite simple. For one thing, just becoming more aware of how the devil wants to beat you down will prepare you to reject his attacks when they come–he will attack at the soft spots.
For another thing, you can conduct an examen at the end of each day. This process, which takes only a few minutes, will help uncover patterns of behavior you might need to change. These patterns of behavior will point out your spiritual growth opportunities. You’ll see some patterns of sin and sinful habits you can take to confession and to direction.
The Rosary
Any discussion of spiritual warfare would be incomplete without mentioning the Rosary. The Rosary is a powerful weapon against the devil. Exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti talks about it, and it’s well known that St. Padre Pio referred to it has the “weapon for these times.”
We are all engaged in spiritual warfare, every day. Going into battle without adequate weaponry is foolish. As you proceed with the target hardening of your soul, be sure to include the Rosary. If you can’t carve out time for five decades in a day, start by praying one decade each day. It will change your life.
Mission Ready
The enemy is working harder than ever to take us off the path to union with God. By target hardening our souls, we can repel the attacks of the enemy. Take St. Paul’s advice and take every thought captive. (cf. 2 Cor 10:5) Refuse any thoughts, desires or emotions that are not of God. Accept only those of and from God. Remember–if you’re trying to live a life in alignment with Our Lord’s will, He wants to give you peace, not worries.
Anxiety, agitations, doubt, discouragement and resentment are not from God. Reject them. Remain steadfast in the Lord. Stay close to Jesus and Mary. Ask for the grace to strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy.
Additional opportunities abound for target hardening your soul–daily Mass, commitments to works of mercy, praying the liturgy of the hours, and more. Consider availing yourself of such opportunities in addition to those discussed here.
In the end, though, this is not just about strengthening your spiritual defenses, although that’s vitally important. Don’t let the devil deter you from living the life God has in store for you. Our Lord has a mission for you that only you can fulfill. The grace and freedom He provides will allow you to discern and carry out that mission. Make a difference in others’ lives for His greater glory and the salvation of souls.
“Yours is the gigantic task of overcoming all evil with good, always trying amidst the problems of life to place your trust in God, knowing that his grace supplies strength to human weakness…” – Pope St. John Paul II
