Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Sm18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3; PS 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mk 5:21-43
Notes
In the case of David we have the teaching contradiction so common amongst us.
- I hate him.
- I love him.
We really are capable of holding these two thoughts in the mind and action at the same time. Joab dispatched Absalom even as David wanted an almost impossible thing: defeat the enemy totally (i.e., kill them all) but save my son, the leader of the rebellion.
In the first reading, the tragedy of a father and son in mortal combat. And the tragedy of what we teach others. Hear the words of Joab:
Then Joab came to the king’s house and said, “Today you have humiliated the faces of all of your servants who have saved your life this day, and the life of your sons and your daughters, the life of your wives, and the life of your concubines, by loving those who hate you and hating those who love you. Indeed, you have made clear this day that you have no regard for your commanders or officers, for I have realized today that were Absalom alive, and all of us were dead, then that would have been right in your eyes!
What a disaster! Loving those who hate you and hating those who love you – a condemning speech of Joab to the King. You taught us to hate Absalom! Now you mourn him!
Summary
Yet the warriors pause their celebration having been victorious over the enemy. David is grieving his son and so should we. King David taught hate and love as if they are indistinguishable and meaningless, only situational and conditional.
Reflection
Jesus loved everyone and helped everyone. Our gospel portion today shows Jesus caring for the vulnerable old and young women alike as he loves them in their youth and in their agedness. But there was no confusion in his love. There was no contradiction or hesitation. He taught what he believed. And there was no internal contradiction about it.
Personal Reflection
It is one thing to be angry and happy with someone you love. But when it gets to hate, it is a step too far. Be careful what you teach!
I remember my Mom had an argument with her sister. Afterwards she declared we are to have nothing to do with her. Still later she acted as if nothing happened. My sister was completely confused and confronted her. She replied ‘that was then, this is now’. How very confused my sister was. ‘You taught me to hate her and so I did. Now you switch and it is easy for you. But for me it was impossible to be all in one way then all in another way. ‘ (paraphrase).
I never forgot that event.
Such misery!
First Reading
Joab was told that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom; and that day’s victory was turned into mourning for the whole army when they heard that the king was grieving for his son.
Responsorial
Listen, Lord, and answer me.
Gospel Acclamation
Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Gospel
Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage. From the bible study link yesterday: It also is an intercalation collection where the outer story is the restoration of the ‘dead’ 12 year old girl. Inside that story is the story of the old woman with 12 years of hemorrhages. The two 12’s are for the Jewish nation specifically. Jesus has come to heal the young and old with eternal healing and physical (earthly) healing.
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction. The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry