Wednesday, January 22, 2014

David and Goliath

     The reading for today from the lectionary is the story of David and Goliath.  David was the young, non-warrior type, who stepped forward at a particularly challenging moment in the history of God's people and became their champion.  The Philistine army was powerful, and they had a giant of a warrior who made them nearly unbeatable.  No one wanted to or was even willing to challenge this giant called Goliath.  Up steps the young David, and no one thought that he could accomplish the task.  But God was on David's side ... or I should say that David was on God's side.  We know the story - David killed Goliath and God's people were victorious.

     I thought that these readings were very appropriate on this day on which we remember Roe vs Wade, a decision of our Supreme Court that accelerated the undermining of the law of God and our moral foundation.  Forty one years ago today that decision marked a tragic turning point that has resulted in the legal deaths of over 55 million unborn human beings in this nation alone.  Since that time countless people who understand the sanctity of human life have been striving to rectify that decision and change our course.  To most, it appears to be David vs Goliath.  Few place much hope in our success, especially as time has gone on and little has changed for the good.  It appears that we face the law and the lobbies and the changing times with our small sling shot and stones.  They stand powerful and unmoving.  It could cause discouragement.

     And yet, remember that the seemingly impossible happened in the story of David and Goliath.  David prevailed, because he had a purity of heart as well as God on his side.  Simplicity and trust rather than arrogance and might won the day.  On this day, when thousands march in Washington, we have our hope rekindled.  We stand on the firm foundation of the Word and the Law of God.  Our resolve to defend life is reinforced by the strength of God.  Win or lose, we stand in God's embrace as we celebrate life.

     I have not had a chance to see the numbers in DC, but with very adverse weather in that area in frigid temps and snow, I know of at least three people that attend daily Mass here that normally would have gone but did not this year - One could not get off from work, one has growing knee problems and cannot do the walk, and the other, who is a pro-life leader both locally and in the Commonwealth, had her bus company cancel their trip just this morning.  To those in DC or who are praying and supporting the cause, the Lord's blessings be upon you.

     I would like to conclude with the Collect Prayer for the Mass "For Giving Thanks To God For The Gift Of Human Life" from The Roman Missal :

God our Creator,
we give thanks to you,
who alone have the power to impart the breath of life
as you form each of us in our mother's womb;
grant, we pray,
that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,
may remain faithful to this sacred trust
and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen 

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