Anonymity - New Evangelizers

…O Lord…strengthen me and save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Psalm 86: 15-16

King David, who wrote this psalm, is well-known in Scripture. He killed the giant Goliath with only a sling and a few stones. He led armies successfully against Israel’s enemies. It was through David’s descendants that the promised Messiah was to come. We know Jesse was David’s father, but who was his mother? We don’t know, because the bible never mentions her name. That didn’t stop her from being an influence in David’s spiritual life.

What is important—with or without her name being known—is that she served the Lord and that David served the Lord just as she did. Apparently, his mother remained in the background, quietly setting an example of service. David remained in the background, too, minding the sheep—until God had other plans for him. Chances are, David didn’t start out to make a name for himself. He gained fame because he met challenges as they were presented to him, trusting in God, not in himself.

Although David’s mother remained in the background, God used her. Maybe we’re in the background, too. Maybe that’s how we are called to serve God. Doing what needs to be done, accepting and meeting the challenges that we find ourselves facing without fanfare. Maybe in doing so we preach a sermon louder than if we had a megaphone or a microphone. David’s mother had neither and she influenced a son to serve God in a mighty way that made a difference for all generations to come.

Maybe being anonymous isn’t so bad.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you whether or not anyone else knows.

Reflection: Who might you be influencing by your quiet faithfulness today?

© Barbara Hosbach, 2016

Barbara Hosbach

Barbara Hosbach, freelance writer, is co-chair of the CJ Chapter of the Catholic Writers Guild and member of the Catholic Press Association. Hosbach’s articles have appeared in a number of Catholic periodicals. Her latest book, Your Faith Has Made You Well: Jesus Heals in the New Testament, explores what happened when Jesus healed and what it means for us today. Your Faith Has Made You Well: Jesus Heals in the New Testament and Fools, Liars, Cheaters, and Other Bible Heroes