Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr
(I Samuel 17:32.33.37.40-51; Mark 3:1-6)
Everyone knows the story behind today’s first reading. The duel between David and Goliath resounds
throughout Western civilization like the fall of Troy. It advises the mighty not to be arrogant in
their expectations, and the poor not to lose hope.
The reading draws attention to David’s innocence and
courage. More significantly, however, it
reveals the almighty power of God over the forces of evil. David does not rely on his sling or the
stones to upend the giant. Rather, he exhibits
trust in God as he tells the pagan, “… I come against you in the name of the
LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.”
The story tempers the confidence of the strong in their own
strength. It admonishes them to trust in God’s love. Today’s patron, St. Agnes of Rome, shines as
another example. When she dedicated
herself to the Lord, she refused to surrender her virginity to the pretensions
of men. She did not gain a long life
like David but rather was awarded a place in God’s kingdom as a youth.
