The Lord Brought About a Great Victory

January 24, 2008

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

By Melanie Rigney

When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause? (1 Samuel 19:5)

O Most High, when I am afraid, in you I place my trust. (Psalms 56:4)

He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known. (Mark 3:10-12)

Piety

Be with me, Lord, as I face the forces of evil, wrong, and indifference in carrying out your Word. Train my hands for battle, my fingers for war, wherever I may face them.

Study

We never tire of seeing the face, whether we are fortunate enough to see Michelangelo’s David at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy; in glossy coffeetable-size art books; or in the form of life-size replicas in places as seemingly incongruous as Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

It is a face of faith, of confidence... not of braggadocio or swaggering or fear or intimidation. It is the moment at which David says to himself, “With God’s help, I can do this. This man will never again insult the armies of the living God.”

It might be the same look Jesus had on his face when he helped the people from Galilee and Judea. He knew that there would continue to be consequences because of the conflicts which had arisen with the Pharisees. So while he continued to heal them, Jesus “warned them sternly not to make him known.”

Jesus didn’t stop and think about the likely ramifications or possible compromises or alternatives. Instead, we are told that Jesus was angry. He was grieved at the Pharisees’ hard hearts. And he went ahead and did God’s work.

Each day we face formidable foes. Some are big picture... disrespect for human life at all stages, for example. Others are more personal... lack of self-confidence, fear, and pride, for example. Our foes can seem as formidable as Goliath and the Pharisees. Let us remember Michelangelo’s rendition of David at his moment of decision and reflect it in our faces, hearts, and souls.

Action

Make a list of three giants you slew last year with God’s help. What rocks did He place in your slingshot? How can you reuse them to conquer the giants you face today?