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| “Bathsheba Goes to King David” by Cecchino del Salviati, 1552-54 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
Commentary on 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
In this passage from the Second Book of Samuel, King David falls prey to his human desires and human weakness as he abuses the power of his high station to commit an act of adultery. He then compounds his sin by contributing directly to the death of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband. God’s laws have been violated and David will be punished for this injustice.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Commentary on Ps 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11
Psalm 51 is a communal lament, perhaps the most penitential of the psalms. These strophes constitute a song of contrition as the sins of the singer are acknowledged. We note the results of unatoned or unreconciled sin is the anguish of guilt which the singer begs to be lifted.
CCC: Ps 51:6 431, 1850
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Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Commentary on Mk 4:26-34
We are given two parables from the Gospel of St. Mark. The first is unique to Mark’s Gospel, and follows the parable of the Sower in Mark 4:1-9. The mystery of the seed is analogous to Jesus’ own ministry which starts as a seed but grows to encompass the world. Another frequent analogy follows the seed, apparently dying, falling to the earth and buried, then rising to new life, the great Paschal Mystery.
The second parable, the parable of the Mustard Seed, echoes the vision of the Kingdom of God described in Ezekiel 17:23; Ezekiel 31:6 with the image of the Kingdom of God providing a resting place for all, just as the giant cedars of Lebanon do for the birds.
CCC: Mk 4:33-34 546
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Reflection:
There are two related concepts presented in sacred scripture today. First, we have the story from the Second Book of Samuel about King David’s fall into sin with Bathsheba. His example, while serving as a warning, also has some comfort for us. It demonstrates clearly that even the mightiest anointed one of God might be tempted to sin and fall from grace. There is a saying that is supported by this event that had its origins (at least in English) back in the 1700’s that most of us are also familiar with: “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” David fell into the sin of adultery because it was within his power to take whatever he desired, and he was not strong enough to resist the call of the flesh. Further demonstrating human weakness and the corrupting influence of power, David kills Bathsheba’s husband indirectly by placing him in harm’s way. He essentially orders the death of Uriah.
The story of David and Bathsheba is compellingly human and serves as a warning to all persons who assume positions in which they have power over others, be that in politics, business, the military, or even (perhaps especially) the Church. The temptation to abuse power and misuse trust is one of the greatest evils of our human condition. The dangers of greed, lust, and pride should be identified with giant letters whenever a person is promoted to a position of power or authority. The greater the power the more temptation to these sins will be present.
We go so far as to suggest that, in addition to swearing allegiance to the U.S. Constitution (or any other country’s form of government), any person who accepts the public trust must be publicly warned of the danger of this kind of corruption. People who lack principles or strength of character routinely fall into scandal as a consequence. Some so identified are contrite; others demonstrate, by their behavior, that contrition is not part of their character.
On the heels of this story of power, greed, and corruption comes the Gospel, which reminds us that what we risk losing when we fall into the trap of sin is nothing less than the Kingdom of God and eternal life. What we also recognize from the Gospel is that the more gifted the person is the higher the bar is set, the greater the Lord’s expectations (e.g. the parable of the talents). As members of one of the most affluent societies on earth, this should be a grave warning for us indeed. We are called to a higher standard of behavior, a greater love of neighbor and God, a more charitable life-style.
The Lord calls us not to be comfortable with our wealth and power, but to see it as both a responsibility and as a risk. Instead of seeing those with great wealth through the eyes of envy, we should look at them with pity, for their accountability will be great, and the risk they face is immense. Today we pray for those of great wealth or power, may they be stronger than King David and listen to the Holy Spirit as their guide.
Pax
[2] The picture used today is “Bathsheba Goes to King David” by Cecchino del Salviati, 1552-54
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