20 January 2016
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
“The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,
will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” (1 Sm 17:37)
The little ones, like David the youth, know on Whom they depend. They keep track of when He helps them, and do not forget it. This memory, itself a gift from the Lord, then becomes a sure foundation for hope. Others may say, ‘You don’t have any idea what you’re going up against.’ God’s little one, however, can reply, ‘I know Who has my back. That’s all I need to know. He already saved me from a lion and a bear.’
Sometimes in our lives, particularly in our responsibilities we seem overcome. While avenues of rest and recreation are always important and to be maintained, sometimes we sense that we have all of our basic needs met, and yet something is still missing. When we feel weak in this way our trials can confront us as a Goliath. It is then that we need to remember that our weakness is our strength, because it is in our weakness that God proves his strength. (2 Cor 12:9)
“You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,” says David. (1 Sm 17:45) Which is greater? We know how the story ends. May the Lord give each of us a knowledge of our dependence on Him, a memory of His kindnesses towards us, and thus a hope in His love forever. Then, we will be able to pray with all our hearts the psalm, “Blessed by the Lord my Rock!” (Ps 144:1)