WAR-TRAINED FINGERS

“David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag.” —1 Samuel 17:40

When David went into battle, he carried five “smooth stones” in his shepherd’s bag. When facing the giant in battle, “David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone” (1 Sm 17:49). The giant seemingly had greater weapons, more experience in battle, and was a formidable enemy, ready to kill David with his might. Yet David used the stone and his war-trained fingers and hands to defeat the powerful foe (1 Sm 17:49ff).

My rosary pouch contains a rosary which has 59 “smooth stones” or beads. Many of us carry similar rosary pouches. When I enter into spiritual battle each morning, I place my hand into my rosary pouch just as David put his hand into his shepherd’s bag (1 Sm 17:49). Then I pull out the 59 “smooth stones” and slide the “stones” between my fingers as I pray the rosary. “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war” (Ps 144:1).

Although the giants we face are well-funded, powerful, and hurling venomous words at us, we are like David in that we confidently pray the rosary against the foes who assail us and the Church. We claim the Biblical promise that “no weapon fashioned against [us] shall prevail” (Is 54:17). We take out our rosaries, take on the battle, and do not allow evil to be unopposed. Though the sight of our meekness in praying the rosary against powerful enemies may seem ridiculous to the world, it is the forces of evil who will ultimately tremble and fall. Fight the good fight with the weapons of God (Eph 6:10-17).

Prayer: Father, in You will I trust without fear (Ps 62:9).

Promise: “It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the Lord’s.” —1 Sm 17:47

Praise: Inspired by watching podcasts about the Church’s teaching, Jack, a bodybuilder, converted to the Catholic faith.