The Word Among Us
Meditation: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
3rd Week in Ordinary Time
Who am I, Lord God, . . . that you have brought me to this point? (2 Samuel 7:18)
David was a man of many gifts. He loved God with all his heart. He was a talented musician. He had the courage to face Goliath, and after becoming king, he captured Jerusalem and brought the ark of the covenant there. A wise ruler, he eventually united the tribes of Israel and reigned over them for nearly forty years.
With a résumé like this, it’s a bit surprising to read David’s prayer in today’s first reading. It’s a beautiful reflection of his humility and his desire for God’s glory to be made known. David shows no signs of pride in his own work or the dynasty that he is establishing. He sees only what God has done, and he gives God the glory for it. In addition, he is overwhelmed that God is promising even more: that David’s kingdom will last forever.
Throughout his prayer, David is aware that God has given him the gifts he needs precisely for this purpose: to advance God’s plan, not to build up his own ego.
God has given us many gifts as well. They might be gifts for leadership like King David, gifts for ministry in the Church, or gifts for caring for people. God wants us to receive these gifts gratefully and then, like David, decide how we can use them to care for his people and build up his kingdom.
This is the key to true humility. It’s about confessing that all we have accomplished is due to God’s generosity and goodness. It’s about believing that he is the One who lavished us with gifts in the first place. It’s about understanding that he is the One who gives us the vision and the grace to use them.
Today, take some time to thank the Lord, both for your gifts and for the opportunities you have had to use them for his glory. Then offer these gifts back to him, and ask him to use them in whatever way he chooses. Remember, you have a part to play in the kingdom that God is establishing. He needs you—and the gifts he has given you—to do it!
“Father, help me to recognize my gifts and use them for your glory.”
Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14
Mark 4:21-25
Homily of the DayJanuary 30, 2020Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
When David prayed to God saying: “…you make your promises extend to the House of your servant for a far-distant future …” he realized that it was beyond his vision. God had plans for the nation of Israel but not according to man’s limited understanding because it was God himself who will build it. Men are just partners in the historical process.
Remember, that the Israelites understood that man cannot gaze at God because he will surely perish. Man’s finite capacity cannot comprehend that which is infinite. This is why, in order for man to understand, it would take the initiative of God to reveal it in a way that his finite capacity can understand. This is through Jesus.
Now, seeing God is possible. When we see Jesus, we can see God and not perish. Jesus comes as the Light to a world in darkness. His light is to be held up as a beacon for all to be led out of our sinful world of darkness and into the light of his presence and love. He will show us the way towards the “House” that David once spoke of – far, far into the distant future. We are also told to listen. If we abide and remain in his love and light, we can become fruitful because we will share in that vision for the building up of the “Kingdom of God.” We are given the choice whether or not to respond to his invitation to come into the light and hold it up for others to see.