Going into battle.


Today's reading.
St. Charles of Sezze

David didn't think twice about going into battle against Goliath. For his armor he had the name of the Lord. David declared victory against Goliath from the beginning. I try to make a conscious effort to verbally claim victory over the battles in my life. Some are small (needing a parking lot in the rain) and some are big (a disobedient and prideful heart in a child). Declaring victory in the name of the Lord reminds me that God is my guide through the situation. If I submit myself to his leadership in the situation, the outcome will always be victorious!
One more thing: In today's gospel, Jesus is grieved by the Pharisees and the hardness of their hearts. Again I am reminded to have a heart like young David and indeed like Christ himself: faithful and merciful.
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for standing beside me in my daily battles. Give me victory over the giants that enter my life and threaten to keep me from you. Give me a heart like young David, full of faith and mercy. Help me to imitate Christ's mercy and not become too legalistic with my children. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. St. Charles of Sezze, pray for me.