This relfection is coming soon. Until then, here is a reflection on these readings by Eileen Burke-Sullivan in 2006.
The period of winter ordinary (or counted) time that falls between the great Church seasons of Christmas and Lent carries the weight of two great Christian “themes” – the first is a carry-forward of the manifestation theme of Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord – whereby the Mystery of the Incarnation – that is God’s presence and power within the created order - is demonstrated. The second is the call or vocation of each person to enter and participate in both that presence and that power by giving over the gifts of one’s human existence to the service of God’s reign “on earth as it is in heaven.” That is essentially what each of us did in Baptism, and renew every time we receive the Eucharist.
Today’s readings invite us to take up both these themes in wonderful stories of human interaction. The first is an extended account of the young shepherd - David’s encounter with the Phoenician Giant-warrior, Goliath. This very popular account is one that preachers love to share with children to remind them that in our weakness God can be shown as strong. The most obvious aspect of the story, and one the biblical author took care to point out in all kinds of ways, is that David is clearly out of his league here. But what might not be so obvious is that David is not without some abilities that God can use. In other words, this isn’t a case of God imposing something magically. Rather God is using the natural gifts and training of the young shepherd including not only his slingshot skills – and a couple of hard stones - but also his courage and his confidence in both his own historical accomplishments against bigger and fiercer opponents (bear and lion) and his deep reverence for a real and vitally interested God who has supported him in those accomplishments. Further, David taunts his enemy and riles him up so that Goliath is careless in his arrogant annoyance. In all ways we can see that in truth David IS a worthy opponent because God has instilled faith, strengthened his courage and has led him to develop and hone his skills (and provided him with some solid rocks!)
The Psalm challenges us to recognize God’s presence not only in David and his cause, but in the rock itself that is flung to destroy the enemy. With God as our rock can any true evil be safe from being smashed?
The Gospel invites us to the same theme, but with a bit of a different twist. Jesus faces his own form of a Goliath in the hardheartedness of the leaders of the people. He invites these experts in the Torah to respond to the problem of doing what is good for a wounded person on the Sabbath. Since the purpose of the Sabbath is to worship and honor God, the source of all good, how could exercising real goodness toward one of God’s people be contrary to the intention and meaning of the Sabbath? These scholars and teachers are not really interested in the genuine meaning of the Sabbath, however, as much as they are interested in their own way of doing things, or worse, their own power. The fact that they would go out of the Synagogue and conspire with representatives of imperial power (Herod’s party) – their own most hated enemies – shows how hardhearted they have become. Such intransigence is worthy of the rock of God’s presence to smash it – and Jesus does, by way of healing the sufferer with his gift of compassion.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
