From today’s Scripture: “Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings, so was David in Israel.”—Sir 47:2

The first reading from Sirach extols all the wonderful things that David did with God’s grace behind him: slaying Goliath, taking over the throne, fighting off his enemies, and David’s response to glorify God, offering thanks, providing praise in song and solemnity season after season. How is it that Sirach does not account for the sins that David committed? Abandoning his first wife, Michal; murdering Uriah to steal his wife, Bathsheba; and taking other “wives” as spoils of conquest.

David did suffer punishment for his sins: constant wars, the defilement of his wives, and the death of his son. David’s son Absalom attempted to take his father’s place and was killed despite David’s orders to spare the boy’s life. His people suffered famine and pestilence.

But in the end, we know: “The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever; He conferred on him the rights of royalty and established his throne in Israel.” And from his lineage would come the Savior.

Let us pray: Lord, forgive my transgressions, my falling in weakness. Help me to remember the good things you have given me in my life, so that I might praise and honor you and always be grateful for your great kindnesses to me.

Today’s author is Dr. Denise Collado, who is a multilingual caseworker for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Sarasota, Florida, and former world languages teacher for 44 years. Since 2017, Denise has made quilts for Glenmary’s annual fundraiser and for special missioner friends.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.