Quote from Abraham Lincoln: "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character give him power."
Lincoln had a deep insight into the human condition, especially since he held the office of president of the United States at a critical point in our history.
He understood adversity but he also understood the great risk involved in receiving power.
It is power that test a man's character not adversity.
Today in the first reading we encounter David, king of Israel. He was chosen to lead, to guide God's people at a critical point in the history of Israel. They were a new kingdom under a time of transition with new leadership but also a time of campaign where the kingdom was being extended.
David was on top of the world. He was in his prime. He was riding the wave of popularity. He was a man of great prestige and greater power.
We discover his character flaw because not of the adversity he endured but because of the power he wielded.
"From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful."
He knew she was taken, she belonged to another, yet he pursued her.
"Then David sent Messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her."
Bathsheba conceived a child. David tried to cover up his mistake. He had Uriah, Bathsheba's husband killed, "Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead."
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
David's character is revealed in the presence of the power given. His character flaw is revealed in the light of the power bestowed.
Humility was demanded for the office he received yet pride continued to hold him in its grip.
We shall see how humility finds David and eventually transforms him to become a man after God's own heart. But we must follow the story to see how power gives way to mourning; repentance prepares David to be a true king of Israel.
It is often in our flaws that we discover the ability to be transformed. It is our imperfections that lead us closer to God and avail our hearts to God's saving grace.
We can never cover up our faults and flaws and imperfections; we must learn to find life within them.
1 comment:
Going along with your post, I believe St. Paul says that it is in our weakness that we are made strong. Your post seems to dovetail nicely with the NT.
Post a Comment