Thursday 14^th January – Thursday of week 1 of the year                                          

Reflection: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

TAKE YOUR STAND!                     

‘One with God is majority’; the reverse was the case today with the Israelites who despite their possession of the glorious Ark of  the Covenant, the symbol of God’s very presence in their midst, still lost thirty-four thousand soldiers in their battle with the Philistines. When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable, even though the Ark of God was in the tent of the Hebrews, God was not on their side because they had failed to acknowledge Him and live according to His commands. They had failed to acknowledge God’s power and reign over them and only remembered Him in the moment of battle.

We have a lesson to learn both from the Israelite and Philistine army. We are often very much like the Hebrews, neglecting our call to holiness in everyday life and only remembering to call on God as a solution to our troubled situation. God teaches us through today’s readings that what He seeks from us in a personal relationship, through thick or thin. We cannot expect to stray away from Him and wallow in sin and still think He will fight our battles for us.

The Philistine army today had heard of the great deeds of God and acknowledged His power and might. However, they still took courage, and amidst fright and trembling, rose up to their fears and summoned their very last courage – even though their feet were shaking at the shouting in the Hebrew’s camp – to fight against all odds against the Israelites. This decision granted them a flawless victory over their enemies. Why not you? When trials and temptations roll in and challenges and tribulation take their course, will you still stand?

Let your relationship with God be one of an intimate friendship and a constant desire to live according to His will. Only then would you be assured of His blessings and victory in all your endeavours.

PRAYER: Lord, let my faith in You never waver but let it grow stronger day unto day. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2090: “…Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing and the beatific vision of God; it is also the fear of offending God’s love and of incurring punishment.”   

HIDE A TREASURE: “The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need…” Psalm 46:1-2 RSV-CE

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 4: 1-11; Psalm 44: 10-15, 24-25; Mk 1: 40-45