Memorial of Saint Agnes
Reflection
The famous story of David and Goliath is integral to our first reading today. David is a young shepherd watching his flock and is chosen by God to become king of Israel. However, he is called to do battle with Goliath, who is armed with a sword and a scimitar.
David has no armor, a few stones and his slingshot. David gets his confidence from his faith in God. David’s story isn’t so much about his courage and combat skills but the protection of God, who was choosing him to be the leader of the Israelite people.
Like David, it can happen to us that we find ourselves in situations that call for us being much more capable than we are and God sees us successfully through. (Living Space is part of Sacred Space – www.sacredspace.ie Sacred Space – www.sacredspace.ie the prayer site run by the Irish Jesuits @2026)
Our Psalm 144 proclaims that the Lord is our rock and protector. The Lord is our refuge and fortress, our stronghold and deliverer. The Lord is faithful. Mark’s gospel highlights Jesus’s faithfulness.
Jesus is faithful in emphasizing worship in the local synagogue. Jesus is faithful in showing compassion and care for the man healing his withered hand on the Sabbath and the Pharisees objected. For the Pharisees, if a person healed someone who did not have a life-threatening illness on the Sabbath it was considered “work” and thus a violation of the Pharisaic law. The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus. He was able to see through their motives. Jesus’s faithfulness and showing compassion, love and care is an outstanding example for us to emulate. Jesus shows us that the law does not excuse us from the law of love and caring.
Dear Lord, make my heart a soft and loving heart that enables others to be healed and Christ visible in our lives.
Today, the Passionist Community at Sacred Heart Monastery and the St. Agnes Catholic Community in Louisville, Kentucky, are celebrating the feast of Saint Agnes.
