Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Recently, I misplaced something that I needed. In looking for it everywhere I grew more frantic. I was sure I had put it in a safe place where I could find it. Throughout the process of looking, I forgot to pray and I blamed myself for being so careless. Finally as a last resort, I sat down giving up, and I realized that I had place my hand on top of the book for which I was looking. I realized almost immediately that this experience was a spiritual lesson. The book represented God for me, and it was as close as the palm of my hand. If only I had trusted better in myself and the Lord I would have spared myself extra grief.
Surely in hind sight David wished he had just trusted God’s will instead of choosing his own. David went against the Lord’s will 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 regretted 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 whole community of Israel.
Notice that 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.
That others make bad decisions around us does not mean we have the right to choose the same bad 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