No limits

Readings for Wednesday January 20, 2010

First Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6


David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” But Saul answered David, “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." David continued: “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.” Saul answered David, “Go! the LORD will be with you." (1 Sam 17:32-33, 37)

Today we read the infamous story of David versus Goliath. Most people are aware of this story, but while most people think that it is mostly just a story of the underdog winning the battle, it is really a story about faith. You see, David never doubted for a second that he would be able to beat Goliath. Everyone underestimated him, Saul and Goliath both, and in underestimating him, they underestimated the power of God. You see David was simply doing God's will in this scenario, and he had an unbreakable faith. David knew something that the rest of the people didn't seem to know, and that was that God was not only Creator of the heavens and the earth, but that with God there are no limits! David knew that under God that there wasn't anything that couldn't be done or anything that was too big.

Jesus shows us today in His healing miracle how there are no limits with God. We too must have the trust that David had, to know and believe that with God nothing is impossible. We must realize that with Christ, there are no limits and nothing that He can't bring us out of or help us through. Imagine the shock of the man with the withered hand who was healed today. I am sure that he got a first hand (no pun intended) lesson in the infinite power of God. While this miracle certainly is amazing, that is nothing compared to the amazing act of love that Jesus performed for all of us on the cross. No limits.

With people there are limits and only so much that we are capable of, but with God there are no limits. May we all learn to trust and rely on the Lord as David did before facing one of his biggest challenges.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you give and for all that you bless us with. We are not worthy of all that you give, but you still choose to love us and have great mercy on us, for this we are thankful with all of our hearts. Help increase our faith so that we may follow you more closely in this life, and then one day be with you in heaven. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.