WEDNESDAY JANUARY 17, 2024
WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Mark 3:1-6
GOD FIGHTS OUR BATTLES: LET US RECLINE ON HIM
The story of Goliath and David is one that brings us to the realization that though life has so many problems and situation confronting it. But we must face life with faith in God and courage and never in fear and faintheartedness. God is always with us to fight our battles especially when we recline and trust in him.
David comes into the battle with his tool used in warding off animals as a shepherd. But his reliance was not on this tool which is stones and the sling but on the name and power of the Lord. He was not depending either on his ability and skill to kill and maim but on the strength that comes from above and on the God who had protected him from the claws and jaws of the lions and the bears.
David’s disposition to save the people of Israel is predicated on his trust in the God of Israel who has never departed his people. And David trusted the power of God to save, to rescue and to deliver him from the raging and furious powers of the Philistines with their arrogance and dependence on physical strength and energy issue for his intimidating stature, war monger and victories over other nations.
And at last the weakness of the sling and the stone prevailed over the warrior’s strength and armament. And the reason was because, it had the backing in faith and trust of the God of war and the Lord of all battles fighting for the Israelites.
This teaches us that faith and trust in God is the key to confront all our difficulties and problems in life, never our strength, connections, money or influences.
In the gospel, Jesus continues to be confronted by the Pharisees who were jealous of his healing powers and evangelistic strides. They felt intimidated, overtaken by this young vibrant and charismatic powers issuing from him. Their only response was to intimidate, misinterprets the scriptures and to set the people against Christ. But they failed because he is the Word of God who knows the things of God.
Correcting their misconception and evil intention, Jesus instructs the gullible minds on the essence of the sabbath obligations. The sabbath is to enhance humanity never to denigrate it. The sabbath prescriptions helps to foster union with God and never to bring confusion. God is pleased when we help others, raise and maintain life, release from pains and bring healing to bodies and souls, comforts the disturbed and brings succour to the discouraged.
The sabbath is a sacred day to the Lord and for the benefit of humanity and wellbeing of God’s people.
Heavenly Father, like David, may we learn to trust in your power to save, redeem and deliver us from the many powers, difficult situations and tormenting circumstances fighting us in lives. Give us grace to overcome, to be victorious and to win the battle of life. May we continually experience your divine protection, providence and sustenance against all adversities confronting us through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
