4th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 29th January 2024 – 2 Sam 15,13-14.30l 16,5-13; Mark 5,1-20
Example of Patient Forbearance
In the first reading, we hear about some of the difficulties King David experiences in his life, yet he trusts that God will be the shield around him. David’s inaction and lack of paternal discipline concerning his son, Absalom, opened up Absalom’s rebellion against his father David. When David heard about it, he fled to the Mount of Olives for his safety. While on his journey, David encounters Shimei, a member of Saul’s house, who curses David and blames him for Saul’s death. When Abishai wants to do away with Shimei, David chose to accept this trial and the discipline as coming from the Lord. David manifests true humility and patient forbearance. David, in the midst of threats on his life and curses against him, realizes that God is with him and will take care of him. In the first part of second Samuel, David triumphs, but after the sin with Bathsheba, and his murder of Uriah, David experiences suffering and threat, and accepts them as an effect of his sins. However, these situations made him humble in his old age and experienced forced exile from Jerusalem.
