Lectio Divina Meditation: Facing Our Giants with Faith From Heath Garcia, Spiritual Director of Archangel Ministries Dear brothers and sisters in service—active duty military, combat veterans, wounded warriors, and your families—welcome to this week's Lectio Divina meditation for January 19-25, 2026. As we gather in this group setting, whether in person or virtually, let's remember that Archangel Ministries is here to support you through spiritual guidance, drawing on the protection of the archangels, such as St. Michael, patron of warriors. This week, in the Second Week of Ordinary Time, our readings from 1 Samuel remind us of David's courage in battle, a story that echoes the trials many of you have faced on the front lines. Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of divine reading: we read Scripture (Lectio), reflect on it (Meditatio), respond in prayer (Oratio), and rest in God's presence (Contemplatio). Today, we'll focus on a passage from Wednesday's reading (January 21, Memorial of St. Agnes), 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51—the story of David facing Goliath. This narrative speaks directly to themes of courage, trust in God amid overwhelming odds, and the battles we fight, both external and internal. I'll guide us through each step, with time for sharing in the group. Let's begin with a moment of silence to invite the Holy Spirit. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, like David before Goliath, we come before You facing our own giants—wounds of war, memories of combat, family strains from service. Send Your archangels to guard us as we listen to Your Word. Amen. The Scripture Passage: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 ~ David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.” David continued: “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! The LORD will be with you.”Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. He took his sling in hand and went directly to the Philistine. The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. Thus, David overcame the Philistine with a sling and a stone; with no sword in his hand, he struck the Philistine down and killed him. David then ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword, which he drew from its sheath, he dispatched him and cut off his head. When they saw that their hero was dead, the Philistines took to flight.

Today's readings emphasize God's call to service, healing from affliction, and the strength found in prayer and mission—themes that resonate with the sacrifices of military life, the burdens of wounds (visible and invisible), and the support of loved ones. We focus primarily on the Gospel, drawing in echoes from the First Reading and Psalm for deeper reflection. Begin in a quiet space, perhaps with a crucifix or image of St. Michael the Archangel (patron of soldiers). Invoke the Holy Spirit: "Come, Holy Spirit, heal our wounds and guide our service." The Scripture: Gospel from Mark 1:29-39. On leaving the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her, and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and, on finding him, said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Supporting readings: First Reading—1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, where young Samuel learns to listen to God's call; Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 40, "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.")1. Lectio (Reading) Read the Gospel passage slowly, twice or thrice. Listen for words or phrases that stand out, as if God is speaking directly to you. For those in the Armed Forces or wounded: Notice Jesus' immediate response to suffering—grasping the hand, healing, and driving out demons. Echo Samuel's story: God calls repeatedly, even when we're unfamiliar or asleep to His voice.2. Meditatio (Meditation)Reflect on what the text means for you. Ponder these tailored prompts:

Brothers and sisters in uniform, veterans, and all who serve or have served—peace be with you. As a fellow traveler in the military life and a spiritual director walking this path with you, today's readings call us to behold Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. In the chaos of deployment, the weight of command decisions, the scars of combat, or the quiet struggles back home, John the Baptist's bold witness reminds us: Jesus is the spotless sacrifice who redeems every battlefield, every wound, every failure. We'll center our Lectio Divina on the Gospel, where John points unflinchingly to the One greater than himself:Gospel: John 1:29-34 (NRSV-CE) The next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” 1. Lectio (Reading – Read slowly and attentively). Read the passage two or three times, perhaps aloud in the stillness of your duty station or home. Let a word or phrase strike you like incoming fire: - “Behold, the Lamb of God.” - “Who takes away the sin of the world.” - “I myself did not know him.” - “This is the Son of God.” --- Hold it close, like a weapon you trust in the fight. 2. Meditatio (Meditation – Reflect)What is the Lord speaking to you today through this Word? John the Baptist, a tough prophet in the wilderness, doesn't hesitate: he points away from himself and declares Jesus as the Lamb—the ultimate Passover sacrifice who conquers sin and death. In military life, we know sacrifice intimately: laying down our lives for comrades, nation, and mission. Yet Jesus is the true Lamb, innocent and all-powerful, whose blood covers our moral injuries, our regrets in combat, the sins we've committed or witnessed under fire. Consider: Where in your service have you felt the weight of sin—the world's or your own? In moments of moral dilemma, loss, or reintegration struggles, do you behold Jesus as the One who takes it away? Like John, we are called to testify boldly, even in ranks or among battle buddies, pointing others to the Son of God who brings true peace.

Mass in the Morning – Fourth Week of Advent Gospel: Luke 1:67-79 (Zechariah’s Canticle – The Benedictus) Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Reflection for Service Members and Veterans: Brothers and sisters in uniform—active duty, veterans, and families—on this Christmas Eve, as the world prepares to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we hear Zechariah’s song of praise burst forth after months of silence. Like many of us who have stood watch in quiet vigilance, endured long deployments in silence, or carried wounds that left us speechless, Zechariah’s voice is restored at the perfect moment. He proclaims that God has “visited” His people—not from afar, but up close, in the flesh. Tomorrow we will kneel before that visit: the Word made flesh in a humble manger. For those who have served in dark places, far from home, this “daybreak from on high” is personal. It shines into the shadows of combat memories, loss, separation, and the long nights of reintegration. Zechariah speaks of a “horn of salvation”—strength and victory raised up in the house of David. In our military lives, we know horns as signals: reveille to rise, assembly to gather, retreat to rest. Christ is our horn—our rallying point, our strength in weakness, our rescue when the battle seems lost.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent. Brothers and Sisters in uniform, veterans, and fellow pilgrims, Just two days before Christmas, the Church gives us the birth of John the Baptist – the forerunner, the voice crying in the wilderness, the one sent to prepare the way of the Lord. In today’s readings, the prophet Malachi announces a messenger who will purify and ready God’s people, and the Gospel shows that promise fulfilled in the miraculous birth and naming of John. Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 (NABRE) When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,and they rejoiced with her.When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,but his mother said in reply,“No. He will be called John.”But they answered her,“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”and all were amazed.Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,and he spoke, blessing God.Then fear came upon all their neighbors,and all these matters were discussedthroughout the hill country of Judea.All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,“What, then, will this child be?”For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. Personal Reflection as a Retired Master-at-Arms and Spiritual Director I’ve spent years in the Navy as a forerunner myself – standing watch, clearing paths, preparing the way for the mission and for those who followed. But there were long seasons when God seemed silent: deployments that stretched on, injuries that lingered, doubts after losses that asked, “Where are You in this?” Like Zechariah, my voice was muted at times – not literally, but in prayer, in hope, in trusting His timing. Then came the moment of obedience. Writing “John is his name” wasn’t just Zechariah following orders; it was surrender. And in that surrender, his tongue was loosed, praise poured out, and everyone around saw the hand of God. I’ve lived that breakthrough – the day I finally said “yes” to God’s call into spiritual direction after retirement, naming what He had already named in me. The silence broke. Joy returned. Others noticed.