What a difference between the two readings for mass today! The first reading sings the praises of King David, a good and holy king. The gospel is about King Herod, who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. King David killed the Giant Philistine, who was an enemy of Israel and full of pride. King Herod killed a saint. God gave human beings free will and these two kings illustrate the extremes of the two choices we have been given.
Another thing in common with King David and King Herod is the fact they both committed serious sins. They both committed adultery and lived with another man’s wife and they both committed murder. The difference between the two is that King David repented of his sins, but King Herod did not.
Because of King David’s great love for God, God forgave his sins. In 1 Peter 4: 8, Saint Peter writes that, “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Today’s first reading from the book of Sirach says that David not only repented of his sins, but “With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung. He set singers before the altar and by their voices he made sweet melodies.” Many people are not aware that most of the psalms were written by King David and they were often sung. Even today, monks throughout the world still sing the psalms. The psalms are very beautiful when they are sung.
King David brought such beauty to the world that continues to exist to this day, and will do so until the end of time. Is it no wonder that Jesus was born from his lineage? King David had God’s praises sung every single day and they are still sung or proclaimed in monasteries throughout the whole world every single day.
Saint John the Baptist also proclaimed Christ with a passion, and with his very life, until he was beheaded in prison. Even King Herod liked to listen to him, even though he was perplexed by John’s words.
What will people remember about your life? What have you spent your life on? Does your life proclaim your love for the Lord? Whether it is in small ways or large, looking back on your life, will people remember your love for Jesus? You no doubt love your family and friends and they hopefully know that, but what about Jesus Christ?
If you are reading these words today, then you do love the Lord. Our actions, words and deeds should reflect this, in much the same way that King David’s actions, words and deeds did throughout his life. We may not be the leader of a nation, neither was John the Baptist, but his passion for the Lord is what people remember. No one cared about his possessions or trade or position in society. His great love for Jesus and the fulfillment of his calling was the important thing.
Today is Friday and many people are off work on the weekend. Today might be a good day to think about how, and what, we are going to spend the time on.
Daily Mass Readings:
Sir 47: 2-11 / Ps 18: 31, 47, 50, 51 / Mk 6: 14-29
