Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Numbers 13:1-2.25-14.1.26a-29a.34-35; Matthew 15:21-28)
The movie “Chariots of Fire” features the men of great
heart who composed the 1920 English Olympic track team. In one scene their American rivals
demonstrate technical excellence in training.
They do warm-up calisthenics as if they were jet engines tuning up for
take-off. In the end, however, the Americans
are bettered by the determined Brits.
Such heart seems in short supply among the Israelites as they hear the
reports of the inhabitants of the Promised Land in the first reading.
The Israelites fail to see that they have God on their
side. He has saved them from Pharaoh’s
mighty army and provided for their needs in the desert. Still the people cower after hearing of
formidable enemies. They should know by now that it is not any physical advantage
that would provide the margin of victory but God’s presence on their behalf.
When we face long odds, we best redouble our
prayers. It is not that we expect to
triumph in every challenge, but we can pray that we emerge from the contest
wiser, more gracious people. Win or
lose, we remain children of the unbeatable God.
In the end He will be our winning margin.
