Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Year A
David received a greater acclamation after slaying Goliath. In his jealousy, Saul feared that the ‘glory’ given to David detracted from his own. He feared he might lose the throne to David. And rightfully so, but it would not be David who would snatch it from him, his own jealousy would hand it over. Though Saul loved David, he hated the glory ascribed to him; He needed all the glory to himself or at least he should be exalted above all. Jealousy is blood thirsty! For Saul, killing David would given him a sense of security, and restore him as the most acclaimed. But David's friendship with the son of the King, Jonathan kept him secure...
Such acclamation as was given to David is seen in the Gospel as great multitude followed Jesus, the Son of David. David was praised for killing Goliath, who threatened the lives of the people; they converged around Jesus for defeating their diseases, and evil spirits, who tried to oppose him by exposing His identity as the Son of God when the hour had not come. But the glory of Jesus increased as He silenced the unclean spirits.
Now we who are baptized into Christ Jesus are given opportunity to share in His glory. We do not seek our own acclamation like Saul, but we seek the praise of Jesus, who defeats our enemies and heals our ailments. In Him we are secure, and nothing can detract from the glory we share in Christ Jesus. So like little David, we make friends with the Son of the King, Jesus Christ. This friendship with the Son of God is all we need to be secure.
Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday 23rd January, 2020
Written For Audrey Yu (Malaysia).
