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 hand usually a pace ahead of the walker. God accomplishes David’s slaying of Goliath just as surely as He saves the Israelites 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 best to pray that God precede us in the struggle. In the Gospel according to John, Jesus prays similarly, not to be delivered from his final trial but that God may be glorified in him. Especially when the challenge appears unavoidable, we should ask the Father to assist us just as He brought Jesus through the crucible of the cross to the glory of the resurrection.
Showing posts with label Goliath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goliath. Show all posts
Homilette for January 23, 2008
Wednesday, Second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Samuel 17:32-33; 37; 40-51)
The biblical story of little David defeating the mighty Goliath is so popular that we refer to any underdog taking on a favored opponent as a David vs. Goliath rematch. Particularly in the college basketball championship tournament in March sports writers are fond of calling schools unknown for basketball prowess Davids and the established powerhouses Goliaths. However, the biblical story conveys more than underdog grit outperforming seasoned excellence.
Essential to David’s victory is his faith in God. David himself says, “The Lord...will keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” As when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, it is not cunning that wins the day but confidence in God’s promise to deliver His people from destruction.
We often see ourselves as small compared to the challenges we face in life. It may be a situation at work when we have to talk with the boss about institutionalized injustice. Or it may be a bout with cancer that causes us to shake both interiorly and exteriorly. At such times we do best to pray to God for the strength to prevail against the forces of destruction. This is precisely what the Savior does when confronted with his passion. We can always find hope in how that ordeal ends in glory.
(I Samuel 17:32-33; 37; 40-51)
The biblical story of little David defeating the mighty Goliath is so popular that we refer to any underdog taking on a favored opponent as a David vs. Goliath rematch. Particularly in the college basketball championship tournament in March sports writers are fond of calling schools unknown for basketball prowess Davids and the established powerhouses Goliaths. However, the biblical story conveys more than underdog grit outperforming seasoned excellence.
Essential to David’s victory is his faith in God. David himself says, “The Lord...will keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” As when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, it is not cunning that wins the day but confidence in God’s promise to deliver His people from destruction.
We often see ourselves as small compared to the challenges we face in life. It may be a situation at work when we have to talk with the boss about institutionalized injustice. Or it may be a bout with cancer that causes us to shake both interiorly and exteriorly. At such times we do best to pray to God for the strength to prevail against the forces of destruction. This is precisely what the Savior does when confronted with his passion. We can always find hope in how that ordeal ends in glory.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)