why the smooth stones? 2nd week wednesday

Reflecting on our first reading today one gets to wonder why David in his fight with Goliath picked five smooth stones.  First why five and not just one?  Was he afraid that he would miss in his first shot?  Is he not a man of faith?  Did he doubt that God would steady his arms, give him a perfect timing and a perfect shot?

And why smooth stones?  Why did he select his stones?  He did not say, I’ll just pick up any stone that come my way, anyway God will direct whatever stone I throw straight to the forehead of Goliath the Giant.  David did not do that.  Instead he picked his weapons thoroughly, he knew he has to shoot with proper ammunition and so he selected shiny, round stones that would speed straight to the mark. 

So what does this little details in the story teach us?

David believed in divine providence but he also recognized human responsibility.  One author called this sanctified common sense.  David trusted in God to do what God could do. But he didn't just leave it all up to God. David did what David could do to insure his own competence in the face of a challenge. He did his homework and he was prepared.

Facing the challenges of life we allow God to do his part.  But we don’t just leave it all up to God.  We have to do our responsibility, we have to do our part … do your homework and be prepared.

That is why in discernment self-knowledge is important, what you know and how much have you known about yourself are crucial.  Providence is an important component in our life, yes, but human responsibility is also decisive issue.