Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr
David’s courage in today’s first reading is famous. David feels for his people and wants to make a difference. His eagerness to serve and willingness to face the giant is admirable. The giant takes one look at him and judges him not to be up to the task. David and his five small stones prove formidable.
Jesus’ courage in today’s gospel may not be as clear. However, he knows that ultimately this act is one of many small acts of compassion and love on behalf of the most vulnerable that will ultimately lead him to the cross. The Pharisees watch Jesus closely, judging him, waiting for an opportunity to accuse him of breaking the religious law. Jesus reminds them of the law by asking a question. In this simple question, Jesus points out that while the law says no work is to be done on the sabbath, the law also allows for the work of giving life in the face of death and deep woundedness. Jesus points out to them that sometimes our conventional boundaries must be crossed so that the ultimate law of love can be fulfilled.
Jesus is moved with anger and is grieved at the Pharisee’s hardness of heart. Perhaps today you will find yourself also moved with anger or frustration or grieved at someone’s hardness of heart. And if we do not allow ourselves to be angry and grieved with those whose hearts seem hardened, then perhaps ours are the hearts that are hardened.
Jesus essentially asks in today’s gospel and over and over again, “What does love require?” What does love require, in this moment with this child of mine or with my spouse in this moment? What does love require in how I respond to the person in front me at work today? What does love require of me, today, in this moment to care for creation? What does love require of me, today, in this moment in our city, and in our country, when the rights of immigrants and citizens alike are being violated? What does love require?
When we are moved with compassion, perhaps we are eager to serve like David. Or perhaps we would agree with the giant, and we don’t feel up to the tasks at hand.
God invites us to be courageous like David. Christ models for us the way to respond with clarity of purpose, with healing actions, and resistance to the violence of individual actions that cause harm as well as systems that harm. No matter the cost for us in the moment. No matter the cost for us. After all, we are a resurrection people, and we do not fear the cross.
—Kelly Adamson