2 Samuel 12: 1-7, 10-17; Psalm 51; Mark 4: 35-41
In one of the most powerful parables, Nathan gets David to admit that someone who has everything will be punished (David says by death) for unlawfully taking the “little lamb” of a poor man. “You are that man!” Nathan tells David. God will not revoke the covenant with David, but God will punish the king. Bathsheba’s baby will die, and David “house” (his son) will rise against him. David will be shamed as God allows David’s neighbor to lie openly with all the king’s wives. David falls prostrate and fasts.
Today, pray David’s prayer as your own: “A clean heart create in me, O God, and a faithful spirit put within me. Do not cast me from your presence. Do not take your holy Spirit from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit renew within me.” Pray it three or four times, stopping to savor any word which speaks deeply to your heart.
And with the church we pray from today’s liturgy: “You call us to walk in the light of Christ. Free us from darkness and keep us in the radiance of truth.”