It has only been two days since we last read from the Second Book of Samuel. However, more than seven years have passed in the story. When we pick it up today, King David and his son, Absolom, are estranged from each other. Indeed, Absolom has been plotting to steal David’s crown. This is where we pick up the story today.
David’s reaction to the curses that are being hurled in his direction confuses his servants. However, David knows his own guilt. Rather than compounding his sins by killing Shimei, David accepts his guilt and believes Shimei’s curses to be his deserved punishment.
When Nathan the prophet accused David of the murder of Uriah and his adultery with Bathsheba, Nathan had told him that a sword would divide his house. This story is but one example of the fulfillment of that prophecy. Many such dark stories fill the pages of these historical books.
David never lost his trust in the presence of God in his life even in the midst of all the rebellions, all the plots, and all the disasters that befell him. For us who trust in the presence and help of the Lord Jesus, there is always hope that a dark day or period of our life will eventually be brightened by signs of God’s love, that resurrection will follow on our suffering and death. This is the lesson that we learn not only from the stories from the life of King David, but also from the story of Jesus’ life and death and resurrection. Like David, let us never lose trust in the presence of God in our lives even in the midst of difficult days.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator