1 Samuel 17 : 32-33, 37, 40-51
Mark 3 : 16
Whether it is in the military, or in business, or in government settings, or even in sports, there is a phrase that goes around when it comes to security.
That phrase is this : Beware of the enemy within. In other words, it is a reminder to be beware of spies.
As we reflect on the wider aspects of life, we will also come to the conclusion that the greatest enemy is not from without.
Indeed, it is from within, and it is found within ourselves.
That enemy can take on many forms, like resentment, bitterness, low self-esteem, insecurity. And of course, there is fear.
As in the 1st reading, the enemy is not so much in the form of Goliath, but the enemy is the fear within the heart, and that fear gripped the hearts of the Israelite soldiers.
But David conquered that fear by trusting in God's power and protection.
In the gospel, Jesus knew that others were watching Him for something to use against Him.
But the enemy is not in those "others". Rather the enemy is the fear of challenging them, the fear that can paralyze any intention of doing any good deed.
Indeed, the greatest enemy is often within. The greatest enemy is ourselves, and that enemy is expressed in various forms like fear and indifference.
When we recognize that enemy within, then it will make sense to us when Jesus says : Anyone who follows me must deny himself and take up his cross.
We must not fear the cross in our lives ; we must face it.
And when we pray, let us hold the cross close to our hearts.
Because it was on the cross that fear and the other enemies were conquered.