Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11; Mark 4:26-34
Summary
When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David’s army fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. But in the sight of the LORD what David had done was evil. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (2 Sam 11:17, 27; PS 51:3-4)).
Reflection
When we sin, we create victims. In some cases, as in today’s first reading, more than we ever intended. It is a devastating reality of sin. But the nature of the divine love is not abandon us or our victims in the mistake but recreate our lives as branches of the mustard tree.
The Church pairs this disaster of David’s decision with two more powerful, counter-realities:
- The forgiving nature of the Lord.
- The logic of the Kingdom.
He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God (Mk 4:26a).
If a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come (Mk 4:26b-29).
- The kingdom grows even when we make the mistake of working against it! The scattered seed does its work – its destiny – to bring divine peace. Let the seed be planted. within us, our community our country.
But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade (Mk 4:32).
- This seed, becomes the safe haven for all who rest under or upon its branches. And its grace, food and shade, extends far and wide as all good things do.
Personal Reflection
We should ever discuss mistakes without discussing forgiveness. Not to treat it as an antacid tablet. But as a reframing of life of mistakes as the lesser alternative to a life of rest. Let the seed of holiness take root within us and we experience forgiveness and become a branch of the tree that brings rest and food.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013026.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry