Thursday of the Third
Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 7:18-19; 24-29; Mark 4:21-25)
It is said that history is written by the victors. For this reasons some Bible scholars question
the virtue of David. According to the
official story, he was much of a saint. Although
he committed adultery and covered up his sin with murder, these offenses are
duly repented. Most likely David was not
as virtuous as the Bible describes him to be.
He certainly had a harem and likely drew more blood than necessary.
Still David’s story offers valuable lessons. In today’s first reading David is pictured at
prayer. His words serve as a model for
all people before God. Everyone, like
David here, should be humble before their Creator and Judge. Also, all should thank God for the blessings they
receive. Likewise, all should request from
God whatever is needed for the good of one’s community.
We might wonder if scholars think the same of Jesus as
they do of David. Is his story so great
because in time his followers came to be kings?
The answer is clearly “no.” Jesus died what appeared to the world as an
ignominious death. His resurrection from
the dead was not a public affair in the sense that society at large witnessed
it. Yet because of it, his followers
were not disillusioned by his crucifixion.
Rather, strengthened by the Spirit, they began to live as Jesus
preached. Sure, in time Christians
became rulers. But they have been aware
that to remain his followers they must lead with his love and truth.
