 In the story of David and Goliath it is clear that given what was at stake for the Israelites, killing the giant opponent was the only way to survive the threat of the Philistines. Incredibly, David alone stepped up to Goliath’s challenge in a remarkable act of heroism. Let us consider the circumstances surrounding his act. In comparison to Goliath everything about David was small: his stature, his ego, his rock and sling, and his experience in warfare. Yet in all his ‘littleness,’ David emerged victorious. This was possible only because of his total commitment to God who he knew to be the true victor. When Jesus came roughly 1000 years later, His message was of peace, but do we realize that this peace also involved a kind of warfare? For example, He said we are not to judge others and to always forgive, but this did not mean we are to take abuse or that we should a turn a blind eye to ‘difficult’ things so as to avoid ‘unpleasantness.’ He taught his followers to use spiritual gifts, especially love, as warfare against the evil of the world. Jesus was clear that those who believe will have crosses to bear and we will experience spiritual warfare, but that in the end the faithful will prevail: that is, in Jesus is victory.  The events of the last few weeks have been disturbing, to say the least. Therefore, I would like to highlight some of Jesus’ teachings that may help us keep in mind that He did warn of difficult and evil things to come. There is much more, but let us reflect upon just a few teachings. First, we must remember that Jesus said He did not come "to establish peace on the earth, but rather division. From now on a household … will be divided; … a father will be divided against his son… a mother against her daughter, ….” (Luke 12: 49-53) He knew that there would be division because of the forces of the world which would powerfully thwart the Truth He taught. Indeed, from the beginning of the Church there were many pagan parents who turned their own children over to the authorities who subsequently martyred them because they refused to denounce their Christian beliefs. Not much has changed: the forces of the world continue to oppose the Kingdom of God.*  Secondly, Jesus said numerous times in various circumstances that we are to take up our cross and follow Him. (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) In each of these, Jesus indicated that there is a cost to discipleship and that each disciple would suffer something for the faith. Jesus suffered intensely during His Passion; prior to this, (throughout His ministry), He was clear that if we became His disciples, we should expect some form of suffering also since “no servant is above the Master.” (John 13:16) It is also interesting that Luke placed Jesus’ Transfiguration right after He outlined the conditions of discipleship. I wonder if he was trying help us understand that suffering can transfigure us into holy disciples. (I suggest prayerfully reflecting upon this possibility to see what the Lord reveals to your heart about it.) No matter, the fact remains: Jesus gave great meaning to suffering when He chose it as His way to save us. Hence, if we have committed to discipleship there will always be danger from detractors, a danger that is becoming more visible in the suffering that comes as the evil one is trying to silence our voices and our actions.  Finally, and perhaps the most important point to consider is that Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.” (Luke 12:4) He goes on to say that who we should fear is the one who has the power to cast into Gehenna: the evil one with his temptations and seductions. There is much power there, but Jesus reassures us that His power is greater: “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid…. I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God….” (Luke 12: 4-9) In this concise teaching Jesus said “do not be afraid” twice. (verses 4 and 7) Thus, we should take Him at His word and cling to it.  It is obvious that values are topsy-turvey these days. There are many voices clamoring for our attention in the media, social media, and in manipulative, seductive pressures everywhere. However, even with advanced technology, nothing is really all that different than it ever has been. Even so, there are (increasing) acts of vandalism against Christian churches, bodily attacks on worshippers and on those who live the faith openly as a true disciple of Jesus. Truth is attacked, Christian faith is mocked, and worst of all, it seems to be socially acceptable to do so. But we must always remember that in Jesus is victory. We must pray all the more and allow that prayer to move us to whatever action the Lord is calling us to undertake, but always by first prayerfully discerning what that call is. We do not have to be miracle workers; with the Lord our small acts can have great consequences for the good. Remember, not all Saints worked miracles while alive: neither St. Carlo Acutis nor St. Pier Giorgio Frassati worked even the smallest miracle (during life), yet both clung fearlessly to the cross of Christ and did so much good.** Let us be like them and always remember: no matter what, in Jesus is victory.  May we steadfastly put our faith in Jesus and in the power of His Cross! May we rely upon the Holy Spirit for the courage to live faithfully and to withstand spiritual warfare! And may we always remember that in Jesus is victory! Jesus, I trust in you! Peace!
©Michele L. Catanese NOTE: I am taking a blog holiday for the next couple of weeks, so there will not be a new post on October 6. However, I suggest the post from October 23, 2016 (revised for length) which is remarkably applicable after today's entry. It is a bit longer than my current posts, but perhaps that will tide you over till my next new post which will be October 20, 2025. Here is the link to the 2016 post: www.catanesesd.com/micheles-blog/st-john-paul-ii-be-not-afraid * Remember that by the’ kingdom of the world’ I am referring to the Pauline notion of the difference between the flesh, (all that is not of God), and the spirit (all that is of God). This concept was best explained by St. Augustine in his monumental book, “The City of God.” In it he describes the city of the world which is all that opposes God (the lures of fame, wealth, self-aggrandizement, idolatry, power, lack of the morals laid out by God, and an adherence to what today we would call 'my own truth.') The City of God is unity, humility, compassion, forgiveness, good works of selflessness and charity, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus and to The Truth as revealed by God, something which is not subjective.) ** St. Pier Giorgio stood up to the Blackshirts of Mussolini as fascism with its anti-church sentiment was growing. And he tirelessly worked to help the poor through his efforts at feeding and bringing medicine to them as needed. St. Carlo spent hours cataloging Eucharistic miracles so that the faith of others would be strengthened. He was also a ‘normal teenager’ and yet was known for his ‘lived faith,’ expressed whether he was speaking of it or exemplifying it through his actions. For both of these men, their love for Christ and subsequent actions arose from the hours they spent in Eucharistic Adoration and at Mass, in addition to their other ways of praying daily. ~ In my last entry I wrote about St. Frassati and offered links, so in turn here are some links to St. Carlo Acutis. https://carloacutis-en.org/ and also https://www.carloacutis.com/en/association. Images: 1. Painting; David and Goliath, by Titian (1542-1544) 2. Icon; Saviour of the Fiery Eye, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. You can find this icon at fineartamerica.com/featured/saviour-of-the-fiery-eye-227-william-hart-mcnichols.html The Fiery Eye icons are variations of the Christ Pantocrator image, (Sovereign of All Things). The fiery eyes symbolize God's all-knowing and purifying power, a gaze that penetrates falsehood to reveal truth and holiness. I suspect now you may understand why I chose this icon. I have paraphrased from this article: https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/105508/are-jesus-eyes-like-a-flame-of-fire-in-revelation-meant-to-be-interpreted-lit#:~:text=John%201:9%2C%203:,holiness%2C%20and%20judgment%20(cf. 3. My photo; rocky path up Copper Mountain, in Copper, Colorado. 4. My photo; a lone plant kept alive in the waters of a stream in Krka National Park, Croatia. Do not be afraid! 5. Photo in the public domain; Exhibition of Carlo Acutis' relic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 6. Icon; Resurrected Christ Victorious, St. Constantine and Helena Orthodox Church in Bruges. iStock.com/sedmak Note: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. Comments are closed.
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Heart Speaks to Heart
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