Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 17 January 2024
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-50. Mark 3:1-6
Five smooth stones
It’s said about the biblical stories that ‘details are not details.’ Even details in the narrative contribute to a greater meaning. The first reading brings before us the narrative of David encountering Goliath and killing him. The narrative says that David carried ‘five smooth stones.’ Some preachers interpret the five smooth stones as faith, hope, love, courage, and the strength of the Lord.
The author narrates that David chooses ‘five smooth stones.’ Usually, those who are good at slinging would choose rough stones rather than smooth stones, for smooth stones will not sit on the sling with grip. David chooses five stones with the presumption that he could make five attempts, but in a war, a second attempt is also not possible. David’s first and only stone strikes the Philistine’s forehead and embeds itself in his brow. It means that the smooth stone that slips off goes towards his brow.
Smooth stones, five stones, embedding in the brow – what do these expressions convey to us? They simply convey the message that David killed Goliath not on account of his skill or ability but because of God. If he were to win by his sling, he too would depend on the instruments, as did Goliath.
The author tells his reader that the victory belongs to God.
Here, David grows in three steps: (a) He seeks Saul; (b) He seeks smooth stones; and (c) He seeks the Lord God.
In our spiritual warfare or spiritual life, first we seek other human persons; secondly, we seek instruments and practices; and finally, we surrender at the feet of the Lord. The third step gives us full victory.
In the gospel reading, Jesus faces a crisis situation. His enemies trapped him on a Sabbath when he restored health to a man with a withered hand. Jesus relies not on external affirmations but is guided by his internal authority.
Saint Anthony the Great, the Hermit, the Abbot, the father and the forerunner of monasticism, in fact chose to cling on to God alone.
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In our Jubilee pilgrimage, it is necessary that we learn to cling on to the Lord. And, besides clinging on to the Lord, we must be able to use the sling well. (Jubilee A.D. 2025, bite 10).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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