As a young and inexperienced king, Solomon asks God in prayer for practical wisdom to lead his people and administer justice. His people are, after all, God’s people. Moved by Solomon’s selfless request, God promises him not only wisdom but also riches and glory. What a pity if our world would become so heartless as
After we have heard in recent days the story of King David, Jesus Ben Sirach reinterprets for his time the personality of David: a valiant king whose power comes from God, a singer of psalms and an organizer of the liturgy, the covenant king to whom lasting kingship has been promised. With the death of
In 1597, twenty-six Christians were nailed to crosses at Nagasaki, Japan. The best-known among them was Paul Miki, but there was also a Spanish Franciscan who had worked about ten years in the Philippines, Pedro Bautista. Their feast reminds us that the gospel is not destined merely for traditionally Christian countries. Everywhere in the world
The core of today’s first reading is an interpolation by a later biblical author on fidelity: the king embodies the people and faithfulness to the covenant. This is presented as David’s testament given on his deathbed to his successor, his son, Solomon. Jesus wants his disciples to be without security and power, so as to
St. Agatha, “the good one,” patroness of Sicily, refused marriage to dedicate herself to her fellow Christians by doing diaconal work at a time of persecution, especially care of the sick and of the poor. She was denounced and tortured to death in 251, at the time of Emperor Decius. Threats and torture could not
In the mind of God’s people, God was their defender; by creating an army through conscription, David was as if usurping the power of God, taking upon himself what was properly the task of God himself. A man or woman like us from down the street, whose parents we know, how dare he or she
Absalom is defeated and killed. The victory of the king’s army turns into a party of mourning, for, notwithstanding Absalom’s rebellion, David still loved him very much. Jesus uses his power to do good and to give an objective lesson on faith to his disciples and to the people. It is a power that gives
Greetings (See Second Reading) Jesus shared the same flesh and blood than we So that he could become completely Like his brothers and sisters And, compassionate and trustworthy, Atone for our human sins. May this Lord Jesus be always with you. R/ And with your spirit. Introduction Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Child
Greeting (See Second Reading) God has chosen what is weak and has made Jesus Christ our wisdom and our virtue, our holiness and our freedom. May the Lord Jesus be always with you. R/ And also with you. Introduction by the Celebrant Congratulations if… To be poor and humble and gentle, merciful and weeping and
One of the most poignant, dramatic pages of the Old Testament is read to us today. David, the faithful servant of God, has committed adultery and murder. The prophet arouses the king’s indignation against those committing injustice and then tells David: That is what you have done! That man is you! The king’s acknowledgement and
