We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so

August 9, Wednesday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr
Daily Readings: First reading: Numbers 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-29, 34-35; Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

God had delivered the Israelites from captivity in Egypt, led them through the Red Sea, and brought them across the desert. Now they stood on the cusp of the promised land, just across the Jordan River. That land, flowing "with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27), was finally within reach! But as we see in today's first reading, receiving that gift did not come easily.

The Israelites had sent twelve men to scout out the area. The scouts returned and reported that it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey; they even brought back some of its fruit (Numbers 13:23). However, ten of the scouts experienced extreme fear after seeing powerful armies and men who appeared to be giants. How could the people possibly defeat these foes and take hold of God's gift of this new land?

But rather than succumbing to fear, Caleb and Joshua remained undeterred. They didn't disagree with the scouts' assessment, nor did they boast of their own strength to overcome. Instead, they remembered the promise of God and trusted in it. God had delivered them in Egypt; he had promised them the land, and he would "bring us into this land and give it to us" (Numbers 14:8). Eventually, Joshua would lead the next generation of Israelites to victory in the promised land (Joshua 3). But it would take time, including a long delay, because of the people's lack of faith to receive this gift from God.

As he did for Israel, God has promised us gifts. Jesus came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10)! But like the Israelites, we face giants that stand in our way. Struggles with health, finances, or broken relationships may seem to block our path to a life of freedom.

To be sure, these are significant foes. But when we turn our attention from the obstacles and fix our eyes on God's promises, we'll see victory. The more we trust in the Lord, the more we'll recognize the early signs of new life and the beginnings of God's promises being fulfilled. We'll begin to taste the fruit of peace and hope. Slowly but surely, our giants will begin to lose their power. We will say with Caleb, "We can certainly seize the land."

"Lord, I trust in your promises today!"