Friday of the Third
Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 11:1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Mark 4:26-34)
The words, “I am pregnant,” can bring joy or misery
depending on their context. When a young
husband hears them, his heart leaps with hope.
But if they are spoken to a lecher like King David, they are wrought
with desperation. In order to hide his
guilt, David has his paramour’s husband killed.
Today it is easier to go after the defenseless child.
Behind the emotions lies the truth about sexual
intercourse. As the Church has
consistently taught, intercourse can contribute to human welfare. Done within marriage, it may produce offspring
assuring the perpetuation of family. It also
brings a greater sense of wholeness to the couple. Carried out licentiously, on the other hand, intercourse
may be initially gratifying but ultimately disturbs the natural order. It will scar its perpetrators and jeopardize
the welfare of their progeny.
Surmounting the challenge posed by illicit sexual desire
requires fortitude. As we know from the
tragedies of kings as majestic as David, such strength of purpose is not
readily achieved. But our source of
fortitude comes from the gospel. Planted
deep within our souls, the word of God spreads to all parts of our being. It makes us as gracious as the mustard tree
giving refuge to the birds. It
strengthens us like wheat growing tall in the field to resist pestilent
desires.
