Reflection on Today's Readings

Todays readings, are wonderful. The first reading describes the classic Bible story of David and Golliath. The Gospel is one of the classic examples of Jesus tripping up the Pahrisees as they try and trap him into doing "work" on the Sabbath.

The story of David and Golliath, or David and the Philistine, has some very important points to make that are above and beyond what we learn as kids about this story. First and foremost, we see that David, having put his trust in the Lord, was up against tremendous odds in anyone's eyes. Yet, David knew the Lord would keep him safe. David announced before his ultimate victory over the Philistine, "All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves..." (1Sam 17:47)

This statement is important to remember when we, as a nation or individually, feel that "might is right". That by overcoming our foes with any kind of might other than the might of the Lord puts us in a dangerous place. It is much easier, often, to settle differences or win our own "battles" with the sword than with the power of God.

Today's Gospel reminds us (from an earlier reading) that the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath. Jesus healing a man's withered hand in today's reading illustrates that we should do good whenever and whereever we can. There is no "day of rest" when it comes to doing God's works. How lucky we are to have healthy minds and bodies to be used for the glorification of God and His Son! Let us do it each and every day!