2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36 / Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Power and might can be best described in terms of armaments and military capabilities.
In fact, the best way to flaunt power and might is to use military force for invasion or oppression.
In
the 1st reading, when king Sennacherib of Assyria threatened king
Hezekiah of Judah, it was like the sword already on the throat.
And
king Hezekiah had every reason to fear because he was the main target
and if the Assyrians get their hands on him, they would skin and mince
him alive.
Yet king Hezekiah gave us a lesson about
faith and trust in God. In the face of mortal danger, he turned to God
in prayer and placed all his hope in God.
And indeed, God will cast down the mighty and proud who use their military might to insult the humble and the lowly.
Furthermore, king Sennacherib insulted God and he can be considered lucky to be able to go home alive.
In
life, we may not face blood-thirsty soldiers going for our throats, but
certainly we will come across slippery and slimy people who will scheme
to make us trip and then stab our backs.
Let us be calm but vigilant because the evil one will tempt us to throw away our faith to the dogs and pigs.
Let us stand up to evil with a strong faith and to stay close to God in prayer.
In this world that has many dangerous nooks and corners, God is our only Saviour and guide.