Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 21 January ‘26. The Battle Is the Lord’s

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 21 January ‘26

Second Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday

1 Sam 17:32–33, 37, 40–50. Mk 3:1–6

The Battle Is the Lord’s

“The battle is the Lord’s.” These words express the heart of today’s readings. They invite us to look at life not only through fear or calculation, but through a vision of faith. David stands before Goliath not because he is strong, trained, or confident in himself, but because he is convinced that everything belongs to the Lord. Saul sees danger and failure; David sees God’s presence and faithfulness. Two visions stand side by side.

In the first reading, David’s courage flows from his faith. Saul tries to discourage him: “You are only a boy.” David agrees, but he adds something deeper: the Lord who saved him from the lion and the bear will save him again. David knows who he is, but more importantly, he knows who God is. He does not fight in his own name, but “in the name of the Lord of hosts.” His swift action is born of trust. Because the battle is the Lord’s, David can face Goliath without fear. Faith does not deny the size of the problem; it redefines it.

Our own lives are filled with “Goliaths”: illness, fear, failure, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future. Often, like Saul, we focus on what we lack—strength, resources, experience. The question today is simple and demanding: what is our faith vision when life confronts us? Do we see only the giant, or do we see the Lord who stands with us? When faith shapes our vision, problems no longer paralyse us; they become places where God can act.

In the Gospel, the battle continues in a different form. Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand. It is the Sabbath. His opponents watch closely, not to rejoice in healing, but to find fault. Jesus names the true battlefield: “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” Their silence reveals a hardened heart. Here, the enemy is not a giant outside, but resistance within—a refusal to choose good, a fear of mercy.

Jesus chooses clearly. He heals the man. In the Lord’s battle, neutrality is not an option. One must choose life. One must allow good to overcome evil. The healing of the man’s hand exposes the deeper illness of those who prefer rules without compassion. Jesus grieves over their hardness of heart, yet he does not withdraw. He acts. Love must act, even when it provokes opposition.

Today’s Word teaches us three simple truths. First, true courage is born of faith, not self-confidence. Second, our vision determines our response: fear magnifies the enemy, faith magnifies God. Third, in the Lord’s battle, choosing good is essential. Evil is not defeated by silence or calculation, but by courageous, compassionate action.

May we learn to say with David, in every struggle of life: “The battle is the Lord’s.” And may that faith free us to act, to heal, and to choose life—always.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy