January 21, 2025 – Wednesday of the Second Week of Ordinary Time; Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012126.cfm)
Most of us know what it feels like to be intimidated. It may not be a person shouting at us, but a problem that keeps standing in our way. For some, it is a failing grade that threatens one’s future. For others, it is a broken relationship, a sickness that refuses to go away, a job suddenly lost, or a habit we promised many times to stop but still control us. These problems do not come politely. They pressure us, exhaust us, and slowly make us believe that we are small and helpless.
This is where today’s readings speak clearly. In the first reading, we met David facing Goliath. David was young, untrained for war, and clearly outmatched. Goliath was not only big. He was meant to terrify and crush enemies. He mocked, threatened, and paralyzed an entire army. Yet, David stepped forward, not because he was strong, but because he knew he was not alone. He said with quiet confidence that the battle belongs to the Lord. David did not deny the size of the giant. He simply trusted more in the presence of God than in the power of fear.
The Gospel of Mark shows another kind of giant. Jesus faced the hardness of heart of the Pharisees. A man with a withered hand stood before Him. The leaders were watching closely, not to help, but to accuse. Jesus knew that healing on the Sabbath will cause trouble. Still, He chose mercy. He allowed compassion to speak louder than fear. The real sickness in the story was not the man’s hand, but hearts that prefer rules over life.
Here we see one clear truth that indeed, true courage is choosing life and faithfulness to God, even when fear and pressure are strong.
This same courage shines in the life of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr. She was very young, yet she faced threats, humiliation, and death because she refused to give up her faith and dignity. Her bullying giant was not physical strength, but fear. It was the fear of pain, rejection, and death. Agnes did not overcome this by force. She overcame it by trusting God completely. Like David, she knew who stood with her. Like Jesus, she chose faithfulness over safety.
Our giants today may look different, but they work the same way. Fear tells us to keep quiet, to settle, to hide, to give up what is right because it is easier. Fear tells us we are alone. Faith reminds us that God is present, even when the outcome is uncertain.
The message is not that we will always win easily. David still had to step forward. Jesus still faced anger. Agnes still suffered. But none of them let fear decide who they were.
When we face our own giants which could be a form of addiction, loneliness, injustice, or discouragement, we are invited to do the same. We are called to trust God, seek help, and choose what gives life.
Thus, I leave you today two takeaways.
First, name your giant honestly. Do not deny it, but do not face it alone. Instead, pray and seek help from someone you trust.
Second, choose one small act of courage today, even if fear is still there. Faith grows when we move forward despite it. Hinaut pa.
A DOSE OF GOD TODAY 