(1 Sm 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144: 1b, 2, 9-10; Mk 3: 1-6)
Sometimes, the daily readings are such that their themes are evident, and I feel like they all tie together immediately. Other times, I have a sinking feeling in my tummy as I read two seemingly disparate pieces of the Bible and think to myself, “How am I going to connect these?”
The latter was more my thought today; the first reading – from Samuel – is about the confrontation between David and Goliath, while the second reading is Jesus healing someone on the Sabbath. What do these have in common?
Fortunately, I’m not writing these alone; the Holy Spirit is always with me, helping me come to new insights. As ever, the Spirit came through again today, as I realized there was more similarity between the two passages than I realized.
There’s a wonderful moment at the beginning of the first reading where Saul attempts to convince David that he had no chance against Goliath: “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”
But David knows that God is on his side and he attempts to convince Saul: “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.”
And David’s efforts work completely! Saul replies: “Go! the LORD will be with you.”
(As an aside, I can’t help but read that as being a humorous scene. Imagine that playing out in real life: “You have absolutely no way of defeating this guy! You’re going to get killed! You have absolutely no chance!” “I’ll be fine; God’s on my side.” “Well, that’s a different matter. Get going, then!”)
In comparison, today’s Gospel selection from Mark has a similar confrontation between the Pharisees, where Jesus attempts to convince them that it is just and proper to heal a man on the sabbath: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” And how did the Pharisees respond? But they remained silent.
So we have two instances of people trying to convince others of their convictions, and two different results. But what happens next? In both instances, these godly individuals did what they needed to do, regardless of whether or not they convinced those around them.
David enters into battle with Saul’s blessing, the boy having convinced the elder that God was on his side. Jesus did not get the approval of the Pharisees, but he healed the man with the withered hand regardless . . . even though he knew it would be evidence used against him!
Throughout life we find ourselves attempting to convince others of the rightness of our actions. Whether it’s family members questioning our need to give to church and charity, other faith traditions who would misunderstand or mischaracterize our Sacraments, agents of the secular world who would have us abandon our Christian missions and seek pleasures of this life, or even other Catholics who may press us to act against our callings, we all face instances where we need to present our cases for doing what is right.
This is important! Part of bearing witness to the promises of Christ is attempting to explain and defend our actions and decisions. Most of us are not hermits, and while it would often be easier to pay no attention to the naysayers or the ignorant – and merely press on ahead with doing God’s work in silence – we must also recognize that explaining the truth of our words and deeds is often vital for growing and reinforcing the faith. Even though the hearts of Jesus’ enemies remained hardened when he offered his explanation, his words remain a vital explanation for us today of the importance of the spirit versus the letter of God’s laws.
But if those around you are unconvinced, then it’s still essential you remain true to your faith and ideals and do what is right anyway. Maybe your detractors will become convinced, in time, or maybe their hearts will remain stony in the face of the Truth . . . but, regardless, don’t let those who speak against rightness dissuade you from taking action.
Of course, if the person speaking is trusted council, it’s important to remain humble and open to their words. It’s not impossible that you’re mistaken! But if the Bible, Catechism, Traditions, and/or teachings of the Church support what you’ve discerned in earnest prayer and reflection, then don’t be dissuaded. Like today’s Psalm says, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, my refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust.” If the rightness and righteousness of David’s argument could convince Saul in a heartbeat, then the Spirit can guide you in your attempts to convince those who would stand in the way of your faith.
