29 Jan An Easy Start (2 Sam 11:1b-2) by Joshua Bachman
“Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.” ~ 2 Sam 11:1b-2 (full readings)
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Joshua’s Reflections: Obeying God is not so much about what you shouldn’t do as what you should. Each of us should see to our business – our responsibilities. Today’s Old Testament reading recounts the tale of David and Bathsheba. In the age of non-mechanized warfare, kings campaigned in the spring – it was what a king did to maintain his realm. This particular spring, David opted to not go to war. Perhaps this was an innocent decision and had a justifiable purpose, but what did it give rise to? Adultery and murder! If David had stepped up to see to his kingly business, then the path would not have opened to these grave sins. Juxtapose Uriah’s actions with David’s. Uriah at every turn does see to his duties. He goes off to war in the spring like a soldier ought to do. And while on duty, even while near home, remains with his men. Ultimately he gives his life following orders to pitch in at the most dangerous point of battle. Those with blood on their hands – whether it’s King David or those involved in procuring an abortion, don’t begin the day with murderous intent. Satan’s plans for evil always come with an easy, innocuous first step – he’s never obvious or difficult about it. Lest we despair at the consequences of our modest omissions, Our Lord encourages us in today’s Gospel. It is the inverse of David’s story. Not only can evil start with a small seed, but so does the Kingdom of Heaven. What small steps are we taking and where are they leading?
* Joshua and his wife, Lindsey, are attorneys and (and along with their hound dog, Molly) are LIFE Runners in St. Joseph, Missouri..
Faith Challenge: Make every action, no matter how small, one step closer to doing right.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: Sts. Sarbelius and Barbea
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Faith Quote: “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” ~ C.S. Lewis
All In Christ for Pro-Life,
Joshua Bachman
Matthew 16:19
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