When Weakness Becomes Strength – God’s Surprising Call

Judg 6:11-24a, Psalm: 84, Mt 19:23-30

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today, God’s Word speaks directly to our secret fears and hidden attachments. In Gideon’s trembling heart and the rich young man’s sorrow, we see our own struggles reflected—and hear God’s unwavering promise: “I am with you. Trust Me.” This is the paradox of our faith: True power is born in surrender, and real wealth is found only in letting go.

I. God Sees the Warrior in Your Weakness (Judges 6:11-24a)

Picture Gideon: hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in fear. He feels insignificant—“My clan is the weakest… I am the least.” Yet God’s angel greets him: “The Lord is with you, O champion!”

God meets you where you hide. Your “winepress”—that place of fear, shame, or inadequacy—is precisely where God seeks you out. As Pope Benedict XVI taught, “God reveals Himself not in power, but in the weakness of His servants” (Feb 8, 2006).

Your doubt doesn’t disqualify you. Gideon asks for signs, yet God responds with fire consuming his offering. His cry—“I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face!”—reveals the awe of encountering Holy Love. And God replies: “Peace! Do not fear. You shall not die.”

Saints show the way: St. Thérèse of Lisieux whispers, “Jesus doesn’t demand great deeds—only surrender and gratitude.” Your weakness, offered to God, becomes the doorway to His strength.

→ Where is your “winepress” today? Bring God your fear and hear Him say: “Go with the strength you have. I will be with you” (Judges 6:14,16).

II. The Freedom You Crave Requires Release (Matthew 19:23-30)

The rich young man walked away grieving because he clung to his possessions. Jesus’ warning stings: “It’s easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich person to enter heaven.” Why? Not because wealth is evil—but because trusting it chains the soul.

Detachment is liberation. The Catechism is clear: “Blessed are the poor in spirit—detachment from riches is necessary for the Kingdom” (CCC 2544). Jesus isn’t calling all to poverty—but all to freedom.

Grace makes the impossible possible. When the disciples gasp, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus replies: “For men this is impossible, but for God, all things are possible!” (Mt 19:26). Salvation is His gift, not your achievement.

The hundredfold reward: Peter asks, “What will there be for us?” Jesus promises not money, but family—the Church, your brothers and sisters in Christ—alongside persecutions, and ultimately, eternal life (Mt 19:29). St. Francis of Assisi proved this: “It is in giving that we receive; in pardoning that we are pardoned.”

→ What “riches” imprison you? Security? Control? Reputation? Hear Jesus say: “Let go. Follow Me. I am your true inheritance.”

III. The Surrender That Unlocks Miracles

Gideon and the disciples reveal the same truth: God’s power shines brightest in surrendered hearts.

1. He calls the unlikely:
   Gideon the coward became a mighty warrior. Fishermen became apostles. God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called through His presence.
2. Faith demands action:
   Gideon built an altar (Judges 6:24). The disciples left boats and tax tables. True faith moves your feet.
3. His promise is your peace:
   “I shall be with you” (Gideon) and “You will inherit eternal life” (Disciples) are not distant hopes—they are present realities for those who trust.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Christ speaks to you now:

→ To the Gideon in you, hiding in shame:
“Peace! Do not fear. My presence is your strength. Step out of the winepress!”
→ To the rich young man in you, clinging to false security:
“Release your grip. Follow Me. I am your Living Treasure.”

The God who named Gideon “Champion” and split the sea for Israel is the same God who declares over you:

“What is impossible for men is possible for Me. Trust My grace. Walk in My strength. I will never abandon you.”

So, rise today. Bring Him your weakness. Release your idols. And let His resurrection power transform your surrender into victory. “May the God of Gideon and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ fill you with holy courage, unshakeable trust, and the freedom of the saints. Amen.”