1 Sam 4:3
Why has the LORD permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines?"
Today's first reading from the mass seems less than ideal. The Philistines overtake Israel, capture the Ark of the Covenant, and leave many dead. Not exactly the uplifting message we expect to start the day, but there's something to it.
Sometimes in life we too can feel like the Israelites; defeated. Where there is seemingly no way forward. Maybe it's due to the loss of a job, or a relationship. It could be a bad diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. Like the Israelites we can turn to despair, and rightfully so. It can feel like we're all alone, and that even God has left us. But we know this isn't the case. The Israelites were defeated by the Philistines in todays reading, but in thirteen chapters a young man named David defeats the all-powerful Goliath, with God at his side.
While today's first reading seems less than ideal, it's a good reminder that no matter what, God is with us. In the good the bad, and even in the ugly. Today, no matter how things are going in your life, remember that God is there, and he wants to be a part of your life, no matter what.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Deacon Drew Woodke, Fourth Theology
Home parish: Nativity
Did you know...
I was born and raised in Florida, but I would take snow and mountains over Sun and Beach every day of the week.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
