Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 Lectionary: 320

After Nathan had spoken to King David, 
the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, 
“Who am I, Lord GOD, and who are the members of my house, 
that you have brought me to this point?
Yet even this you see as too little, Lord GOD....

Our first reading this morning from 2 Kings recalls David's reaction upon hearing Nathan's message from the Lord, "Who am I that I should be so blessed?" 

It is a moment of profound wonder and humility which everyone must experience from time to time, and often forget when they need it most. It is hard to think of King David, the most distinguished of the Lord's ancestors, without recalling his unspeakable sins against Uriah and Bathsheba. What was he thinking as he brought a curse upon his descendants, both physical and spiritual, which remains to this day? Obviously, it was not of God. 

And yet David, the poet, songwriter, and minstrel, also introduced penance into the story of our salvation. His 51st Psalm is a game changer which seems to come from the humility he expressed in today's reading. "Who am I that you should bless me?" 

Overcome as he was by remorse, shame, grief, and guilt, his humility took him to a deeper place than he -- or anyone -- had ever known. "Can God forgive even this? Does God have authority even to forgive, heal, and undo the wrong I have done?" Isn't it more than God can deal with?  

Penitents ask these questions as they enter the Sacrament of Penance, especially as we ponder the crucifixion of Jesus.

"Have mercy on us, O Lord, who had no mercy on you!" 

The Good News begins with, "“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

Our new life begins with David's awareness of blessing and of guilt. It takes us deep into the experience of being human, far deeper than anyone would go willingly unless they had been personally called, had heard, and had responded to a very personal invitation.