Homily: Second Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Second Wednesday of Ordinary Time (1 Sam 17:32ff) “Can I Slay a Giant?”

The story of David and Goliath is a religious story that has been portrayed in many ways throughout the centuries. Somehow it captures our imagination.

I think that is because we all have felt like David at one time or another in our life. We have had those moments when a task needs to be done but we feel like it is impossible. We feel small and insignificant. We question whether we have what it takes to fight the battle that is necessary.

There are voices within us at such times that tell us that we will not succeed. We don’t have the strength. We aren’t smart enough. We are too small. We don’t have political connections. We are not popular. The list goes on and on.

At such times we have a choice. We can retreat from the field, or we can forge ahead. When we push forward, we may find that those who oppose us are caught off guard. They can’t believe that we have the grit to tackle the project in question.

David seems to be extremely confident, but we can imagine how his stomach was churning when he looked in Goliath’s eyes. We might speculate that David was young. Youth leads to a strong sense of optimism which we may not have in later life.

There is a prudence that comes with age. We should not disregard that. Sometimes it saves us from making costly mistakes. But often when we act, we find that bullies like Goliath back down or overestimate themselves.

Nothing is ever accomplished without taking a risk. David became a hero with the slaying of Goliath. Without stepping out of the crowd he might have been a footnote in history.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Have I ever taken a lifechanging risk? When and how?

2.    Am I more adverse to taking chances than I used to be? Why is that?

 Dear Parishioners,

             If you are married and have celebrated a significant anniversary last year, please contact our office and we will include you in our Marriage Day Mass. Our community would like to recognize couples who can witness to the importance of the sacrament of marriage.

            Many today do not see marriage as a religious experience. People see marriage as a secular affair that has little to do with faith. This is a tragedy. The graces that come from the Sacrament of Matrimony are manifold.

            If you have been married 5, 10, 25 or 50 years please come and celebrate with us in February.

            May Our Lady pray for us,

            Fr. Mark