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Michelangelo’s David is one of the most acclaimed statues ever sculpted. It’s been admired for centuries because of its sheer size, proportionality, and the look on David’s face.

Michelangelo captures David standing before Goliath relaxed, but alert; ready to strike his enemy.

What makes this statue so incredible is the fact that Michelangelo sculpted David from an abandoned piece of marble. 

Several others tried before him but gave up; they considered the marble to be an inferior quality.

So the partially chiseled slab sat outside behind a church for over a quarter-century, waiting for Michelangelo’s magic touch. 

Once he found it, he chiseled away until he set David free.

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In the Gospel, Jesus encounters a man with leprosy. 

Because of disease, he’s spent his life being treated like an abandoned slab of marble – unworthy of attention; unworthy of human touch.

Just the type of person Jesus was drawn to.

Revealing this man’s dignity, Jesus speaks to him, touches him, and chisels away his leprosy, giving him a second chance at life.

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We all know someone who’s been treated like this poor leper, like an abandoned slab of marble – unworthy of attention; unworthy of human touch.

Maybe it’s the new kid in school, the person at work with a difficult personality, the addict in the family, the black sheep.

Just because a person is difficult doesn’t mean they should be ignored; rather, we’re challenged to chisel away until we bring the best out of them.

There’s a David inside all of us, a person worthy of being loved and adored.

Who, then, is the Lord inviting me to see differently today?

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“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

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Jesus has finally started his public ministry. 

For the final three years of his life – some 1,000 days – he’ll perform miracle after miracle; healing the sick, casting out demons, and forgiving those caught in sin.

I’d say his entire life and mission can be summarized in three words: 

Jesus lifts burdens.

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So must we.

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I was visiting our parish school recently, for example, and I asked students in first grade, “How has another student helped you?”

“He picked up my pencil,” one said. “She helps me spell long words,” another said. “She makes me feel better when I’m sad.”

Even in first grade, our children have their share of burdens – a dropped pencil, trouble with spelling, a bad morning at home – but they know they can look to a friend for a helping hand.

They know instinctively that they, too, can lift someone else’s burdens, just like Jesus.

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Turning to Jesus, what burden do I need lifted?

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And turning to others, how might I help lift their burdens?

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Our whole life and mission as Christians can be summarized in that way:

Like Jesus, to lift the burdens of others.

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“Jesus made the disciples get into a boat, and when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:45-46).

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This is the first time that the disciples are without Jesus. And what happens?

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Disaster strikes!

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While they’re in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, a major storm hits – one large enough to cause even professional fishermen to fear they’re drowning!

Meanwhile, Jesus tries passing them by – as if nothing wrong is happening. 

Still, they see him, mistaking him for a ghost.

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Was this a test?

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Perhaps.

Keep in mind, the disciples just witnessed Jesus feed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. 

If he can perform a miracle like that, then why would they fear for their own safety? Shouldn’t they trust in him?

We’d casually say, “Of course.” And yet, “their hearts were hardened.” 

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Like the disciples, there are times in our lives when it feels like the waves are overwhelming. We’re drowning in debt; we’re drowning in grief, doubt, or sorrow.

But if Jesus has led us this far in life, then why would he abandon us now?

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“Take courage,” the Lord says. “do not be afraid. It is I.” 

Whenever life causes us to lose our balance – like fishermen staggering on a boat – we must trust that the Lord is near.

He has the power to calm the storm – and he will – but sometimes we must wait in patience.