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2 Samuel 12:1-17 & Psalm 51
Nathan’s parable of a poor man’s pet lamb helped David see his own pitiless and unjust dealings with Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. Understanding the sinfulness of his actions, David’s self-righteous anger, kindled by the unjust behaviour of ‘another’, became remorse and contrition when he realized that he himself had been similarly merciless to Uriah. What to do? How to get past such premeditated and unjust behaviour and foolish choices? Only within the mercy of God who creates, cleans and renews our souls can we find true inner healing, true revival and true wholeness, or holiness. Christ Jesus, renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. (Psalm 51:1) Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the seas, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. St. Mark’s Gospel Chapter 4 Soli gloriam dei .
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2 Samuel 11:1-17 & Psalm 51
When I, like King David, step away from the rigors of right responsibility, I too can lose myself in leisure and self-indulgence. David ended up stealing another man’s wife and his life. I can end up crossing the line, or transgressing, into all kinds of sin by becoming self-focused –chasing wealth, fame, pleasure and success no matter the cost in terms of other lives or even the peace and purity of my own spirit. But when I remember to open my heart, mind and soul to the love of God in contrition and humility, then his mercy and grace can begin to heal the damage and guide me through the consequences of my sins, both in my life and in the lives of others. Christ Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:1) The things that we love tell us what we are. St. Thomas Aquinas Soli gloriam dei . 2 Samuel 7:1-17 & Psalm 86
King David assumed that God wanted a cedar house like his, and that he, David, was the one who should build it for him. The Lord’s way was different than David’s because the truth of God’s ‘need’ for a house was different than even a King’s assumptions. Fortunately David had the humility to recognize the Lord’s way so that he could walk in His truth – and not race ahead (this time) with his own plans and projects. Unlike King David in this instance, I so often race ahead with my own plans and projects –and then wonder why they fall apart and deplete my resources. What is the truth and the way of God for me today? Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. [Jesus prayed] Holy Father, keep in your name those you have given me, that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:21) Have patience to walk with short steps until you have wings to fly. St. Francis de Sales Soli gloriam dei . 2 Samuel 1:1-27
David had suddenly lost not only his best friend, but also a father figure with whom he had had a distressing relationship. Complex grief such as this took David, and so often takes us (has taken me) into places of overwhelming desolation, loneliness, and ‘fragmentation’. How can one human spirit accommodate the layers of grief, fear and even rage that arise, particularly in the events of suicide, murder, accident, or any complex, untimely, violent or sudden death? Only the Holy Spirit of God can embrace all the facts, all the feelings and all the fragments of [my] shattered heart and soul, and begin to piece them together again within [me]. Lord God, in your wisdom and under-standing be my sure foundation and guide me through my times of grieving. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. (Psalm 57: 1) Pray, hope and don’t worry. St. Pius of Pietrelcina Soli gloriam dei . 2 Samuel 1:1-27
In his zeal for God, Saul of Tarsus hunted and killed Christians – until Jesus appeared to him and converted (turned around) Saul’s passions to bring them in line with his own Passion. Then Saul, re-named St. Paul, became a zealous, fearless and committed apostle of Jesus Christ. What are my passions? Are they aligned with my own ideals and self-indulgence, or with the will of God? Am I willing to undergo conversion like Saul of Tarsus to become a passionate follower of Christ like St. Paul, the evangelist? Christ Jesus, align my passions with your Passion. I live by faith in the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2 Soli gloriam dei . |
AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2023
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