the future champion of the world
"If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?" —Judges 6:13
Jesus promised that He would be with us always even until the end of the world (Mt 28:20). If this is true, why have so many of us suffered tragedies? When Gideon asked this question, the Lord didn't explain the past. Rather, He called Gideon a "champion" and commanded him to go and change his tragedies into blessings (Jgs 6:14). The Lord is calling us to do the same.
At first, Gideon didn't obey the Lord, but complained that he was too insignificant to change the world (Jgs 6:15). Then the Lord said again that He would be with Gideon (Jgs 6:16) and thereby assure him of success.
Gideon found this hard to believe, so he asked the Lord for a sign or two or three (Jgs 6:17, 36, 39). Finally, Gideon believed the Lord and then defeated his enemies to set the chosen people free.
We are all Gideons. We may be paralyzed by tragedy, complaining to the Lord, disobeying Him, putting ourselves down, questioning the Lord, or we may be defeating the enemy by obeying the Lord. It doesn't matter what your past is, or how insignificant you think you are (Jgs 6:15). Wherever you are, move forward to become Gideon, the "champion" (Jgs 6:12). That's "Gideon's Bible."
Prayer: Father, through the intercession of Mary, make me a world champion in Jesus.
Promise: "Moreover, everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for My sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life." —Mt 19:29
Praise: St. Bernard exhorted: "In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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