Memorial of Saint
John Bosco, priest
(II Samuel 24:2.9-17; Mark 6:1-6)
Today’s first reading should make us question the wisdom
of using only Scripture to judge moral acts.
It indicates that David committed a terrible sin by taking a census of
his people. The United States and
perhaps most governments of the world take such a census every ten years. Do they thereby commit public sins?
By no means! It is
necessary that a government have up-to-date knowledge of its people so that it
might serve them better. However, David’s
action points to a deep shortcoming. His
hidden reason for the census is that he wants to know how many troops he can
count on. In this way he does not have
to depend on God. But God has been at
his side in battle since the day he slew Goliath. Now he wants to go out alone as it were.
Although trust in God in any endeavor includes one’s making
preparations, there is a difference between the two. When we trust in God, we do not violate any
of His precepts nor do we presuppose accomplishment of our goal. Rather we work diligently to assure success, pray
that it is God’s will, and conform ourselves to His Providence.
