Today’s first reading is a classic. It features the inexperienced and diminutive David against the seasoned and imposing Philistine, in a battle to the death. It doesn’t seem like a fair fight; that either man would ever be forced to face the other. And yet, David is victorious against all odds.
Unless you were always the biggest kid in school, almost every boy or young man could relate to facing someone in a school fight who is bigger, tougher, and a better fighter. And, most of the time, you wound up with a black eye or bloody nose or both!
But this story isn’t only about a physical battle. It has a lot more to do with David’s courageous faith in God. Saul tries to dissuade David from facing the Philistine, and logically you can understand why. But, David is undaunted. Despite knowing he lacks experience and size, he believes in the strength that comes from doing the will of God.
It’s the younger David who tells Saul, “Let your majesty not lose courage.” Many people have had their faith in God challenged in the past two years or perhaps before. For some, it has to do with asking how God could let something bad happen to a loved one or themselves. Others could observe a lack of virtue in church members or even leaders and wonder how God could permit this to occur with seemingly no consequences. And, still, others hear what they perceive as conflicting church teachings and have their faith shaken.
Young David is a reminder of how we can face the sometimes daunting challenges. When he’s taunted by the Philistine, David counters by saying, “You come at me with sword and spear and scimitar (short sword with a curved blade), but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts…”
In other words, you have the weapons of war, but I have something different and greater, my faith in God. As I mentioned initially, not everyone will physically defeat the bigger and stronger foe in the schoolyard. However, even there, courage matters and is noticed.
Others notice how even in defeat, a classmate stood up for what they believed in and didn’t cower in fear. I think the same can be said for when we face our fears, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. David reminds us that our faith in God is where we can find the strength, courage, and grace that we need. It’s our faith in God that allows us to move ahead each day and not be constrained by past hurts or fear of the future.
There are men and women, boys and girls in our families, who exemplify the courageous faith of young David. Why not us? That’s something to pray for so that in our battle’s we come not only with a sling and five smooth stones but the real strength in knowing we are doing the will of God each day.
May God bless you and your families this holy day, and let us pray for courageous faith!
