Wednesday of the
Second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 17:32-33.37.40-51; Mark 3:1-6)
The biblical story of little David defeating the mighty
Goliath is so well-known that we could call any contest between unevenly
regarded opponents as a “David vs. Goliath rematch.” However, the biblical story conveys much more
than underdog grit outperforming seasoned excellence.
Essential to David’s victory is God’s presence to him. As Goliath has a shield bearer going before
him, David is preceded by the Lord represented, perhaps, by the shepherd’s
staff in his hand. Like a staff reining
in errant sheep, the Lord keeps David from becoming either fearful or
overconfident in battle. God assists David
in the slaying of Goliath just as surely as He saved Israel from the clutches
of Pharaoh during the Exodus.
We often see
ourselves as small like David compared to the giant challenges of life. We may witness a thug beating up someone and
wonder what to do. Or we may be facing a
cancerous condition that leaves us shaking.
At such times we do well to pray that God act on our behalf in the struggle. He is there to help us.
