Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 18:9-10.14b.24-25a.30-19:3; Mark
5:21-43)
Absalom’s death in the today’s first
reading is comic. His hair gets caught
in a tree which leaves him hanging and vulnerable to attack. It is moralistic as well. Absalom took pride in his good looks which
became his downfall. The story also
reveals one of David’s many flaws.
David had Absalom banished for killing his half-brother,
David’s firstborn son. He thought that
Absalom acted out of envy for the heir apparent. Then David learned that Absalom acted out of
revenge for his sister, whom his brother impregnated. So he allowed his son to return to Jerusalem. But he never allowed Absalom to visit with
him. After the rejection, Absalom plotted
to usurp David’s kingdom.
The stakes are high in this royal drama,
and the development is tragic. We should
take note of the character flaws to prevent our suffering similar fates. Excessive pride will create resentment. People cheer when they see the proud
fall. Revenge does not resolve old conflicts
but creates new ones. Finally, friends
and relatives deserve attention. It may
be impossible to grant their requests, but they should learn the reason for rejection.
