Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Surely the expression don’t kill the messenger must have in part been inspired by today’s scripture. David went against the will of the Lord by having the number of men fit for military service counted. God wanted David to trust that the Lord would provide for the needs of Israel, instead of trying to calculate his options. While David regrets his sin, his contrition did not preclude that there would be consequences for his actions. Thus, imagine how David felt when the prophet Gad came to offer him a choice of punishments. David knew that no matter what choice he made, there would be harsh ramifications both for himself and the community.
Ironically, David’s hindsight about his poor choice was of little comfort to the community upon whom the recompense was served. To his credit, David pleaded with the angel, “Punish me and my kindred.” (2 Sam 24:17) Not only did he claim responsibility for his unwise choices, he had compassion for the people suffering because of his disobedience. We are often like David. Because of our lack of trust, we sometimes make poor choices. How often do we say, “Now why did I do that? Or, “I wish I had thought through my choice through before I made it.” David’s lesson is not unfamiliar to us either as individuals or as a culture.
Consider how often there are decisions made that have consequences on our whole country. Right now, there is a debate over health care at Catholic Hospitals. In the near past, we have entered wars that the Church declared unjust. The ramifications of the predatory lending helped burst the housing bubble and contributed to the bank meltdown which helped cause our recession. This meltdown is still being sorted out as Europe is facing an unstable future. Clearly the fallacy that immorality is without consequence has risen even to the decision makers on an international scale.
That others make bad decisions around us does not mean we need to choose the same path. Take the example of Jesus in the gospel today. While teaching in his hometown, people took offense to his mighty words and deeds. Jesus’s compassion allowed him to heal some of the sick, despite the lack of faith.
Lack of faith or trust in God can cause us to rely on ourselves and on our understanding. It can undermine Christ’s ability to reign in our life. Does everything we say and do reflect the wisdom of Christ in our hearts? How does the wisdom of our choices or the lack thereof, outwardly give flesh to the body of Christ? By definition our words and deeds are a prophetic message. Whom do our lives glorify?
- Michael Montgomery