The story of the judges cover the two hundred year period from the first settlement in the land of Canaan under Joshua till the inauguration of the Kingdom under David. This stretch of time was embroiled in gigantic problems, sociological, political, military, personal, and the ever present religious aspect. The Bible recapitulates it through popular stories of twelve judges, resounding with rhythm and catch words, repeated at times in a sanctuary. We only hear three snippets of those stories in our lectionary for weekday Mass.
There is a repeated pattern in these stories, a theological thread that weaves a pattern of sin which brings sorrow and oppression. This is followed by pain and slavery which evokes a cry to God for mercy. God replies to this cry by sending a liberating judge. Liberation bring a new period of peace that degenerates into more sin, bringing more sorrow and oppression.
Today we are introduced to Gideon. The story is one of the many “call” or “vocation” stories. One of the most common elements of the vocation stories of the Bible is the humbling realization that God seems to choose the least likely person to succeed to bring about that which God wishes to do. We are asked by the Scriptures today to accept this humbling realization as part of our own story. God chooses the weak to confound the strong. God chooses the unlearned to confound the wise. God chooses the least likely to remind us that it is God who acts. Gideon is described as the most insignificant man in the lowliest house in all of Manasseh. God uses this unlikely instrument. There is no question that it is God who is acting, not Gideon.
The martyrology for August 17 includes the names of thirty-nine saints and blessed from various walks of life. Some of their names are familiar such as St. Beatrice of Silva who at various times in her life was associated with the Benedictines and the Dominicans. After her death, the religious community she founded was placed under the Rule of St. Clare. She began life as a lady in waiting for Queen Isabel of Castile. As one reads her life story, it becomes evident that though her journey contained many twists and turns, God was the one directing her life. Like Gideon, she was born into a lowly position but has become a saint on our Franciscan calendar. Both Gideon and Beatrice remind us that God is in control.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator