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| “David’s Dying Charge to Solomon” by Ferdinand Bol,1643 |
Commentary:
Reading I: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12
Commentary on 1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12
This passage from the Fist Book of Kings provides a description of the succession of the Hebrew Monarchy from David to his son Solomon. We note David’s final instructions to Solomon include the strict stipulation that he keep all of the “statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees” of the Law of Moses. This statement should not be viewed as a contradiction to the promise that David’s line shall be perpetual (see 1 Samuel 7:14ff).
The concluding verses establish the length of King David’s reign and the validity of the succession of the office to his son. It is clear from the language used that there should be no doubt as to Solomon’s right to assume his father’s position as king. Later, the author describes how those who sought to deny succession within the monarchy were removed.
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Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chronicles 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd
R. (12b) Lord, you are exalted over all.
Commentary on 1 Chr 29:10, 11ab, 11d-12a, 12bcd
This great hymn of praise from First Chronicles directs our thoughts toward the power and majesty of God the Father. It rejoices in his omnipotent reign over all the earth. It is called "David's Prayer," and consists of three parts. This selection is the first part which is a solemn praise for God's sovereignty and power.
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Gospel: Mark 6:7-13
Commentary on Mk 6:7-13
In this account, the twelve disciples are sent two by two to begin the ministry for which Christ has been preparing them. They have been with him since they were called. Now he sends them into the world to, proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God as Jesus had done. We note a few differences from the same account in Matthew 10:5ff and Luke 10:1ff. First, in St. Mark’s account they are allowed to take a staff and sandals (prohibited in the other Gospels). Second, St. Mark does not mention a prohibition against entering “pagan territory,” a reflection of conditions in the region at the time of Mark’s authorship.
The disciples are encouraged to stay in one house as opposed to moving from one place to another (presumably to find greater comfort), so as to avoid giving insult to their host or appearing ungrateful. The instruction to “shake the dust off your feet” to those who were unwelcoming was seen as a testimony against those who rejected repentance.
CCC: Mk 6:7 765, 1673; Mk 6:12-13 1506; Mk 6:13 1511, 1673
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Reflection:
The common thread between the First Book of Kings and the Gospel of Mark is the idea that God’s mission is being passed on. In the story of King David’s death, he passes on his monarchy to his son Solomon. He does so with a solemn instruction to carefully keep all of the various elements of Mosaic Law. Because this chronicle had been passed down through many generations, later authors added bits of language that in 1 Kings 2:1ff might sound contradictory. God promised that David’s dynasty would be eternal, culminating as we know with Christ, our eternal king. The instructions given nonetheless make it clear that God’s ongoing rule is primary, coming before all else that a monarch might be expected to do.
In St. Mark’s Gospel, Jesus passes on a different legacy, a different kind of monarchy. He instructs his adopted heirs, the Apostles, to take the news of God’s Kingdom into the world. He also has instructions for his friends. He tells them what to take and how they should deport themselves as they take the Good News into the world. He tells them that they should keep all of his statutes and laws. As King David instructed Solomon about Mosaic Law, this is implicit in his charge to them.
For us, we hear that charge to take up God’s mission and move it forward. We know that the legacy that is our faith has been faithfully handed down by those who have gone before us. It is now our turn to take the Good News of the Kingdom of God into the world, and our instructions, while slightly different, have many of the same elements. We are to take the Word to the world in humility, offering not demanding. We are to offer it freely, expecting nothing, for it was a free gift to us, purchased at a great price of pain. And when the word is rejected, we are to walk away sad for their loss.
Today we pray for the strength to carry the Good News to the world in all we do. May the grace given by our Savior allow us to be the best of examples to those we meet.
Pax
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