DAILY HOMILIES #David

The blindness of the Pharisees was caused by: 1. Envy. When you are envious of others, you are prepared to pull them down by any means, but no matter how hard you try, they remain above you. They couldn’t believe that Jesus was now doing what they themselves could not do. 2. Hatred. When you hate someone, there is nothing the person would do that would make sense. While others praised God, the Pharisees found fault: “He cannot be God because he did this on the Sabbath day.” Watch out when you become highly critical of others; it is a sign of hatred brewing in your heart.

As much as God wanted to punish Solomon, there was something special about Jeroboam that caught God’s attention, just as David possessed certain qualities that impressed God. In 1 Kings 11:28, we read: “The man Jeroboam was very able, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he gave him charge over all the forced labour of the house of Joseph.” Do you desire to be great? Stop seeing work as a punishment.

Absalom’s greatest mistake was assuming that all those surrounding him were loyal to his cause. Not everyone singing your praises and cheering you on means well for you. Absalom had the privilege of hearing Ahithophel’s wise counsel, but ignored it and chose to go by Hushai’s advice because it seemed more pleasing in his ears. Absalom did not know that Hushai came from David’s camp.

Stories have the power to penetrate our subconscious thoughts. The beauty of a good story is that it is easily remembered; this way, one can hardly forget the message. Jesus Christ explored storytelling as a communication tool during his public ministry, and the stories He told thousands of years ago continue to strike our hearts today. Through storytelling, Nathan successfully delivered an uncomfortable message to David.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “Is a lamp put under a bushel or under a bed? For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest, nothing secret except to come to light.” Just as light can never be hidden, Jesus wants us to know that we can never hide. There is nothing we do secretly that would not eventually come to the light; there is nothing hidden that would not be known. It is only a matter of time. It is better to do what is right than to try to cover your tracks later on.

Do not repeat Saul’s mistake. As a leader, learn to humble yourself and work with people who are brighter, wiser, stronger or even more prosperous than you. Celebrate others doing better than you are, learn from them, and give them the respect they deserve, even if they are younger than you. Don’t be insecure; pulling others down will not keep you at the top forever. If God has put you at the top, trust God to sustain you; avoid dirty politics.

For sparing Saul’s life, David proved that he was greater than Saul. With a heart full of shame, Saul prayed for David: “So, may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now, behold, I know you shall surely be king.” When you show kindness to your enemies, know that you are doing it for God, who will reward you. Do not assume that your kindness will change their attitude towards you (Saul would later continue his pursuit of David). Be good to them, for God’s sake.

Success is sweet but comes with challenges. Before Goliath, Saul regarded David as some harmless musician. Saul loved David. However, the moment Saul heard the women singing, Saul hated David. We all have people like Saul in our lives; they become a threat to us the moment we start shining. If something good comes your way, they either block it or try to eliminate you. Am I genuinely happy for my friends when good things come to them? Do I accuse them of pride or develop hatred against them because they have become more prosperous, more innovative or successful?

Approach the storms with a positive attitude. God will not allow you to experience a trial unless He wants to use it to bless you. David had just been anointed king, yet he was just a musician in Saul’s palace, a shepherd and an errand boy. It seemed as though the anointing was a waste. Goliath became the mighty storm that would bring David to the limelight. When you face a storm, stop asking: “God, where are you?” Instead, ask: “God, what do I stand to gain from this?” David asked his brothers, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?” Once you can see the prize, challenges transform into opportunities.

Christmas is a time of visitation. As God visited us, we are called to visit (bring glad tidings) one another this season. Again, as God came to redeem us, we are called to redeem (assist, support, encourage, rescue, forgive) those who are down. As there are many parties and celebrations during this period, let us not forget that many are lonely, sad, hungry, sick, and hopeless. Some are even mourning their loved ones. Celebrate Christmas by spreading love, joy and hope.

Zechariah prayed for many years for a child and did not get an answer. When the answer came, Zachariah forgot what he had been praying for. He felt that God had decided not to grant him any child. His doubt was evident to the Angel. What is it that I have been praying for? Have I reached a point of doubt? This reading should give me a rethink. God knows what He is doing.

You may not like those who hurt you, but at least be kind to them if you are in a position to help them. Be like David, who spared the life of Saul when he had a chance to kill him in his sleep. The good you do to your enemies will come back to you as a reward from God. Do not be like the men in the parable Jesus gave us in today’s Gospel passage, who gave excuses. Sometimes, we want God to understand why we had to deal with those who mistreated us. There should be no excuse. Be good to everyone.