Bishop David looks to King David for inspiration

In the spiritual battle, Goliath ends up as the dwarf

- WCR file photo Metropolitan Michael Bzdel and Bishop Lawrence Huculak hold the Book of the Gospels over Bishop David Motiuk at Motiuk's Episcopal ordination June 11 2002 at St. Basil's Church. Motiuk was the youngest bishop in the world when he was ordained.

By WCR Staff
Edmonton

Bishop David Motiuk's favourite saint is, well, King David. "David for me is a wonderful hero and wonderful model," Bishop David said about the shepherd boy cum king of Israel.

Motiuk says he identifies with the earlier David being called to a tough challenge when he was young.

"He was anointed at a very young age. When I became bishop I was the youngest Catholic bishop in the world.

"I was called at a young age and, through all the struggles and challenges, I try to be aware of God's presence."

Dwayne David Motiuk was born Jan. 13, 1962 in the days when Ukrainians in Canada celebrated Christmas on the Julian calendar. Often Ukrainian children were named after a saint closest to their birthday and the feast of King David was celebrated the Sunday after Christmas.

For years, he took his name as just that. "About six or seven years ago, I thought I would find out a little bit more about David the shepherd boy, David the warrior, David the king, David the sinner, David the forgiven."

Trepidation over the call

He read and prayed on the theme of David. He came to realize, "In the spiritual battle, David becomes the giant and Goliath becomes the dwarf."

In his teenage years, David was called to a different form of shepherdhood. He knew it would eventually become king of Israel. In the midst of trepidation over that call, he learned not to be afraid, but to go forth.

Then David was pursued by a jealous King Saul who wanted to kill him, but he responded with gentleness.

After becoming king, he falls to temptation and commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband sent into a position in battle where he would surely die. But David repents and again enjoys closeness with God.

"In later years, he recalls the victories where God was present with him. That is how he felt that he was able to accomplish so many great things."

The lesson of King David for Bishop David? "I try not to take myself too seriously, know that God is in control and I'm along for the ride trying to be open to the Spirit."

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