Reflection on the youthful David

Caroling is definitely evangelization. Faith is openly expressed.

It was right there before my eyes. Our Ukrainian youth in Paris, despite fleeing war and all the tragedy that implies, were alive.
 Christ Lives! CHRISTUS VIVIT!

It gave me a snapshot of what is likely happening in many European countries and other parts of the world, where Ukrainian youth remain vibrant, even though they have been transplanted elsewhere since the invasion of Russian aggressors in Ukraine four years ago.

This is so much more than just a fun afternoon. This is a torch of faith made personal in the long line of youth we learn about in Sacred Scripture.

In the Bible (1 Samuel 17), David, a youthful shepherd with no formal military experience, faced the towering Philistine warrior Goliath, armed only with a slingshot, stones, and unshakable faith. He triumphed through ingenuity, courage, and a refusal to be intimidated by overwhelming odds, turning what seemed like certain defeat into victory.

Young Ukrainians, gifted by God, are called to deepen their faith today as they face their aggressors.

In the Bible, Saul did not believe David was fit to take on the mighty Goliath, and victory was at stake. However, it was not only the sling and the stone that brought about Goliath’s death, but more importantly, David’s faith in God.

There are definite traumas suffered by Ukrainian families and their youth. Separation from loving grandparents, mothers and fathers, and siblings—who provide the “greenhouse” where love, forgiveness, and compassion are modeled—eventually has painful consequences.

The Book of Samuel tells us that David perceived in his heart how to overcome an impossible situation. He was the least likely of his brothers to be chosen to face Goliath, yet it was his faith that triggered a disdain for godlessness and for the lack of respect for human dignity. He could not ignore the provocation of immeasurable pride and confidence of the godless.

David’s best defense is the Lord. This is the hope that does not disappoint as we come to the close of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

And so I pose this question to you:
 What are you perceiving in your heart about overcoming the giant of poverty, the giant of hate in the world, the giant of war? Are you like the young King David—a person gifted with a growing faith and called by God to take on what seems to be an impossible situation?

From your heart, can you find one decisive thought, word, or action that might set in motion a chain reaction blessed by God, resulting in a moral victory over greed and hate? What might you say or do even today that God could use to remove from the world the giant of loneliness in a person’s life?

What small gesture of yours might be used by God to bring about what we so often pray for:
 “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
How does God plan for you to be part of “the hope that never disappoints”?

Caroling might be a perfect example of a small stone that God can use to overcome loneliness, hate, and many social illnesses.

It truly depends on your faith. Do not dismiss even the smallest or seemingly insignificant word or gesture, thinking it will have no positive or lasting effect. Reach into the pouch of your heart and find the small round stone of trust in God, which He will use to defeat the giants of greed, godless pride, poverty, mental illness, and the destructive consequences of war—such as broken families and despair.

Let us remember that we are held in the eternal embrace of the Mother of God, the Theotokos.
 May all that we say and do proclaim with full voice the refrain:

“God is with us! Understand this, all you nations, and be humbled, for God is with us!”

Christ is Born! Let us glorify Him!
 Glory to our Heroes! Glory to Ukraine!

Bryan Bayda
 Eparch of Toronto and Eastern Canada
 Paris, France