Wisdom
King Solomon is remembered for his Wisdom and today’s First Reading tells us how he asked for Wisdom from God; and no only was he granted wisdom, but earthly wealth also. I will say it was earthly wisdom that is spoken of here, because he wanted to excel in governing the people.
The Visitation
Genesis starts with a tragedy and a promise. Malachi the last book of the Old Testament, in the First Reading speaks of not giving up on the promise God gave in Genesis. ‘Very soon,’ says Malachi, God is bent on fulfilling His promise. A herald will go before the redemption, and God Himself will come. […]
Authority
All Authority comes from God and it needs to be utilised in accordance with God’s will and desire. This David understood well in his lifetime. Hence he did not try to usurp Saul’s Kingship, when it was in his power to do so. He waited on God to enable it for him.
Choice
King David in the First Reading chooses to do as ‘he’ thinks right. He wants to number the people, i.e. take a census. On the surface it looks like a nice decision, but his actions talk differently. His actions now show his transfer of confidence, now not on God, but in the strength of a fighting force he can muster by enlisting able youth in the military. Yahweh as Father, corrects him.
Taking Away The Uncleaness
In the First Reading, continuing from yesterday, the revolt by Absalom against his father David is taking place. David does not want to fight his own Son. But Absalom knows without killing David, there is no legitimate claim to the rulership of Israel.
Contriteness
King David is not a saint, in that he is far worst then King Saul. The only thing that classifies them apart, is their relationship with God. And when David is confronted with the choice of punishment, he rather be taken to task by God, then human beings.
At Last He Sent His Son
With Authority comes power and with power comes responsibility. People can therefore use authority to coerce others or to bring a positive change in others.
To Be Elected By God
Everyone is called, and everyone is invited to God’s Presence and there become the salt and light of the world, through imbibing the Beatitudes at Jesus’ feet.
Nations and Constitutions
India was a people and a collective, combined with one idea of nationhood, before it became a Republic on 26th January, 1950. The difference between both is that they were united by a desire and intent by the idea of Nationhood. But as a Republic it was clear what this Nation was to be and how they would live this experience in rules and regulations.
Conviction and Proclamation
Today we celebrate St. Paul’s Conversion on the road to Damascus. For some it is a dramatic out of the blue moment, when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. Others see it as a process; probably begun even as he watched St. Stephen at his martyrdom. It is remarkable, that Saul the persecutor in chief became the leading proclaimer of the faith and the teacher of the faith. These require conviction, and faith. And all these are there to be seen in St. Paul.