When the young David confronted Goliath he said: “I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts… Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand.” One of the constant human delusions is to imagine that the greater force is what leads to peace and security. The lessons of history is that even… Read More »

One of the commandments of Jesus: “Judge not.” The Old Testament lesson for today tells us why: “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” Of course we make judgments all the time. Is this good for me? Should I change jobs? The commandment… Read More »

You have to feel sorry for Saul. He didn’t look to become king and he was doing the best he knew how. The problem was that he gave what he felt comfortable giving instead of giving what God wanted from him. Saul answered Samuel:  “I did indeed obey the LORD and fulfill the mission on… Read More »

We’re so used to hearing it and saying it (we do so every Mass) the shock value of John the Baptist’s statement has been lost. “Behold the lamb of God…” If you think about it calling somebody a “lamb” might not be taken as a compliment. Calling one the Lion of God, now that would… Read More »

The people wanted a king? God would send them a king from central casting. Saul was everything you would imagine a king should look like, tall, dark and handsome. There was no other child of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people. He was a natural for the role.… Read More »

They let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Doubtless when the crowd brought the paralyzed man to Jesus they were hoping for, asking for, expecting a physical cure. However, Jesus saw that he needed something deeper, more profound.… Read More »

After a disasterous defeat Israel was looking for a divine intervention. The people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. Apparently they believed that like some kind of magical device the ARK would reverse their fortunes, Indiana Jones-style. In the gospel a leper… Read More »