The scripture readings for today can be located here or visit USCCB.
Do you find the story of David and Bathsheba as interesting as I do?
After
all that the Lord has done for David, and despite the many wives that
he has, David commits adultery, then murder to cover it up. In this
story, God brings his indictment against David by the mouth of the
prophet Nathan. In part due to the story told by Nathan prior to the
reading, David readily admits his guilt.
And immediately the Lord forgives him! His words of forgiveness come straight forth from the mouth of Nathan.
However,
David is allowed to keep Bathsheba as his wife! Scripture later tells
us that she is his favorite wife. Furthermore, her second son is
Solomon, who becomes king after David. He becomes a great king, is
favored by God, and builds His temple. Yet Solomon was born to the
mother aquired to David through adultery and murder! How can this be??
It's as if the whole adultery/murder incident never happened!
And
that's the point. This is a wonderful example of divine forgiveness.
David admitted his sin, God forgave him. And then, the sins were put out
forever. As far as the east is from the west, so far is our sin removed
from us. God sees our sin no more.
It's too bad we don't treat ourselves and others like this.
