Readings: 2 Samuel 12:1-7,10-17, Ps. 51:12-17, Mark 4:35-41
“As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” (2 Samuel 12:5-6)
Many Christians today live by the eleventh commandment: “As long as no one is aware of my sin, I am a saint.” Instead of working on ourselves, we do everything possible to hide our sins from the public. Like David, we even take the moral high ground when we hear of others’ faults without realising we are attempting to fight the same demon we possess. When David heard Nathan’s story, he was furious and proclaimed death on the culprit; little did he know that he had just passed judgment on himself. What does this teach us?
1. Nothing is Hidden Under the Sun: You may have heard this saying: “Live a good life so that no one has to lie about you during your funeral.” The fact that no one has confronted you yet does not mean that your sins are secret. David thought that by killing Uriah, people would think he married Bathsheba out of pity. I often wonder why those who hold influential positions in society believe they can fool the common man.
2. The Power of Storytelling: 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.
3. Learn to Package Value: It is one thing to tell someone their mouth is smelling, but there is a way to say it so they don’t feel insulted. Your delivery method (packaging) matters a lot. This is why a plate of rice sold for N1,500 in a local restaurant goes for N25,000 in a five-star hotel. You may have good intentions and plans (content), yet without proper packaging, you fail to achieve results. In other words, don’t rush. Think carefully before you speak and act. Do you think shouting (and raining insults) on your spouse or children (for instance) will stop them from misbehaving?
4. There are Consequences for Sins: Before Nathan came to David, he (like many of us today) was living in denial, clapping for himself for being a smart guy. David expressed contrition the moment he realised his faults, but this did not stop the consequences of his actions. Some of us take the sacrament of penance for granted. “Let me just do it… after all, I can always go for confession.” From David, we learn that we are not the only ones who suffer for our sins; our loved ones and family members are also affected.
5. Pray for Purity of Mind: Today’s responsorial psalm says, “Create in me a pure heart.” David fell because he lusted after another man’s wife. This was not the first time David had seen a beautiful woman bathing, but unlike on other occasions, he failed to take his eyes off her because his heart was no longer pure. This is the same David who saw Saul sleeping and refused to kill him. It is easier to resist temptations when your heart is pure.
6. You are Afraid Because You Have No Faith: Although Nathan carefully packaged the message, it took great faith to confront David with the ugly truth. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus sleeps in a boat while the disciples panic due to the storm. Life is full of ups and downs. It may just be your season of storms. Don’t give up yet. Avoid making permanent decisions in moments of temporary crisis.
Saint John Bosco, born on 16 August 1815 in Becchi, Italy, endured early hardships after losing his father at just two years old. Growing up in poverty, he was nurtured by his mother, Margherita, who instilled in him strong faith and compassion despite their struggles. At nine, John had a significant dream that led him to help troubled youth through kindness and humility. Captivated by circus performers, he learned their tricks to engage and educate local children, seamlessly integrating fun with meaningful teachings and prayers. This innovative method marked the start of his lifelong dedication to helping young people.
Determined to become a priest and support the impoverished, he entered the seminary and was ordained in 1841. In Turin, Father Bosco witnessed severe poverty and was deeply moved by the conditions of boys in prison. He began reaching out on the streets, using his performance talents to connect with and help those in need, striving to find them employment and shelter. In 1859, he established the Society of St. Francis de Sales to continue his charitable mission, an organisation that thrives today. Canonised in 1934, Saint John Bosco is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to youth and education. He is the patron saint of apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren, magicians, and juvenile delinquents.
Let us pray: O God, who raised the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint John Bosco, Priest. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 12:1-7,10-17, Ps. 51:12-17, Mark 4:35-41)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu