Gideon’s 300
One day the Lord sent an angel to Gideon to proclaim the good news that through Gideon, God would rescue the Israelites from the evil hands of their enemies. Gideon balked at the news, saying, “Who am I? I’m the youngest in the smallest tribe of Israel!” Thus began the great story of Gideon, recorded in the Book of Judges, Ch. 6.
Gideon eventually raised an army of 32,000 men, but God whittled that army down to a mere 300 men. A faithful few. Against all odds, those faithful few won the battle and set Israel free.
God is still looking for men, women, and children to be His faithful few. At St. Francis of Assisi, I look around and find many of them. Some are old, some very young, some sick, others strong. Some are simply trying to raise their families in the faith. They are often like Gideon asking, “Who am I?”
I see them at St. Francis every Sunday even when it’s easier to stay home. I see them volunteering when it’s easier to watch TV. I see them at adoration, at confession. Most of all, I see them praying, praying, praying, even after they are quarantined. They refuse to give up or give in to the temptations of the world which strive to distract them from God.
For me, they are a witness to our faith, to the love of God, and to the power of the Holy Spirit. They are willing to face the enemy of this world and do whatever God asks of them. They inspire me.
May the Lord continue to work in our parish of St. Francis of Assisi. May He give us joyful perseverance in the midst of our troubles. May His Holy Spirit continue to inspire us and our children to be become part of His Faithful Few. Amen!
