_(Saturday 1st February 2020. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Psalm 51 and Mark 4:35-41)_
_“As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” Nathan said to David, “You are the man.” *(2 Samuel 12:5-7)*_
As we noted yesterday, David thought he was smart; that he could hide his sin, that no one will know what he did to his trusted friend and loyal soldier, Uriah. David assumed that people will think it was a mere coincidence that Uriah died in battle just at the same time that David impregnated his wife Bathsheba. As Jesus reminded us a few days ago: “For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.” (Mark 4:22).
Being a king, David was a light that could not be kept under a bushel or under a bed. There was no way his evil deed would go unnoticed. We must be careful of our choices daily and avoid giving room to our sinful inclinations. As a Christian, you are a role model, what you do or refuse to do cannot be hidden. Sin is not fun, sin does not pay. Sin always destroys. (Cf. Romans 6:23).
David would have simply gone about his daily activities as though nothing happened without even realizing the full implication of what he had just done. At times, we simply gloss over our sinful deeds. We just find a way of telling ourselves: “It is no big deal.” Or “After all, I am not the worst sinner in the world.” We assume we are just too good and that others are the problem. As Jesus would ask: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3-4).
Nathan narrated a story to David which got him livid with anger. David exclaimed: “The man who has done this deserves to die and he shall restore what he took fourfold because he had no pity.” It was then that Nathan told him: “David, you are the man.” It was as though someone poured cold water on him. It was only at this point that David saw the log in his own eye. He realized his “secret” was no secret at all, that he deserved to die and that he had no pity.
Each time you become enraged at the offences of others, each time you point fingers or pass judgement at people, each time you feel moved to partake in jungle justice, also ask yourself “Am I not guilty?” Maybe you have not yet been caught, maybe your “secret” deeds are not yet known, maybe God is just giving you time to undo your wrongs. When last did you do a total examination of conscience?
In today’s Gospel passage, the disciples of Jesus are surprised that Jesus could afford to sleep in a boat while they were so shaken with fear for their lives. They still didn’t know who Jesus was. They assumed he was just a mere mortal like one of them. Like these disciples, can I really say “I know Jesus”? And *if I know Jesus, why then do I fear for the storms of life?*
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, make me realize the gravity of my sinfulness and deepen my trust in you. Amen.
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Psalm 51 and Mark 4:35-41).*
_Happy New Month. May this February bring us peace, joy and progress in our spiritual lives. Amen_
Fr. Abu.
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