Readings: 1 Sam. 17:32-33,37,40-51 Ps.144:1-2,9-10 Mark 3:1-6
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:42-45)
We live in a world of enemies; not even Jesus Christ was spared, and despite all the good He did, His enemies (Pharisees and Herodians) always looked for ways to discredit Him. Even when they saw a man healed, their concern was that Jesus broke the Sabbath law. For them, this crime deserves death. While others rejoiced, they plotted destruction.
Do not think that because you are a good person (one who strives to live righteously), you are free from enemies. It is possible that you are yet to know your enemies, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Some of those close to you may just be looking out for opportunities to launch deadly attacks (like the Pharisees who followed Jesus everywhere). How, then, are we to survive in this world of enemies?
1. Follow Your Conscience: Jesus knew they were watching Him. He knew it was a Sabbath Day, but, seeing the man with the withered hand, He was forced to choose between ignoring the man (to please His critics) and curing him (knowing they would use it against Him). Jesus chose the more difficult option. He preferred to offend his enemies rather than be a coward. Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Do the right thing. Stop trying to please everybody.
2. Understand and Trust Your Weapons: God has given us an arsenal of appropriate weapons in a world of enemies. David said to Goliath: “You come to me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.” Saul was afraid because he forgot a vital weapon – Trust in God. He told David, “You cannot fight this Philistine because you are just a youth.” He tried to make David wear his armour (thinking it could offer protection), but it was too heavy for David.
b. Although David went with five smooth stones, his real weapon was “the name of the Lord.” Be wise, take precautions, but know that your real weapon is your faith in God. Carry your rosary with you anywhere you go and pray it every day. I like to think of the rosary beads as the smooth stones David flung against Goliath. While some criticise the rosary, those who are devoted to it always have miracles to share.
3. Count Your Blessings; Celebrate Past Victories: Fear is a natural force. If you are scared, it means you are still alive. Don’t be ashamed of it. When faced with enemies, we cannot deny our fear, but the cure for fear is remembering what God has done in the past. David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Do you believe God is still on your side? This is why we must count our blessings, no matter how small.
4. Every Calamity comes with a Prize: Approach the storms with a positive attitude. God will not allow you to experience a trial unless He wants to use it to bless you. David had just been anointed king, yet he was just a musician in Saul’s palace, a shepherd and an errand boy. It seemed as though the anointing was a waste. Goliath became the mighty storm that would bring David to the limelight. When you face a storm, stop asking: “God, where are you?” Instead, ask: “God, what do I stand to gain from this?” David asked his brothers, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?” Once you can see the prize, challenges transform into opportunities.
Today, we remember St. Agnes of Rome. Born in 291 AD into a prosperous family, she was a Christian admired for her beauty and steadfast faith. Determined to stay pure for Jesus Christ, whom she regarded as her only spouse, she turned down many suitors. This unwavering devotion upset others, leading to her being accused of being a Christian by Roman officials. Agnes boldly refused to marry Procop, the governor’s son, or to abandon her faith, even when offered wealth and faced with threats. Efforts to compromise her purity were miraculously prevented, and she remained resolute. At just 12 or 13 years old, she was martyred on 21 January, 304.
Stories of her martyrdom include miracles such as her hair growing to shield her modesty, her attackers being struck blind, and flames failing to harm her when she was bound to a stake. Eventually, she was beheaded, and her relics became highly revered among Christians. St. Agnes is buried in Rome. The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes was founded in her honour in 1858. She is the patron saint of young girls, chastity, survivors of rape, and the Children of Mary. Agnes is often depicted with a lamb and a palm branch, symbols of her innocence and martyrdom.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, who choose what is weak in the world to confound the powerful, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the heavenly birthday of your Martyr Saint Agnes, may follow her constancy in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Agnes, Virgin, Martyr Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: 1 Sam. 17:32-33,37,40-51 Ps.144:1-2,9-10 Mark 3:1-6)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu