3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Who am I, Lord God, . . . that you have brought me to this point? 

David was a man of many gifts.   He loved God with all his heart.   He was a talented musician.   He had the courage to face Goliath, and after becoming king, he captured Jerusalem and brought the ark of the covenant there.   A wise ruler, he eventually united the tribes of Israel and reigned over them for nearly forty years.

With a résumé like this, it’s a bit surprising to read David’s prayer in today’s first reading (2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29).   It’s a beautiful reflection of his humility and his desire for God’s glory to be made known.   David shows no signs of pride in his own work or the dynasty that he is establishing.   He sees only what God has done, and he gives God the glory for it.   In addition, he is overwhelmed that God is promising even more:   that David’s kingdom will last forever.

Throughout his prayer, David is aware that God has given him the gifts he needs precisely for this purpose:   to advance God’s plan, not to build up his own ego.

God has given us many gifts as well.   They might be gifts for leadership like King David, gifts for ministry in the Church, or gifts for caring for people.   God wants us to receive these gifts gratefully and then, like David, decide how we can use them to care for his people and build up his kingdom.

This is the key to true humility.   It’s about confessing that all we have accomplished is due to God’s generosity and goodness.   It’s about believing that he is the One who lavished us with gifts in the first place.   It’s about understanding that he is the One who gives us the vision and the grace to use them.

Today, take some time to thank the Lord, both for your gifts and for the opportunities you have had to use them for his glory.   Then offer these gifts back to him, and ask him to use them in whatever way he chooses.   Remember, you have a part to play in the kingdom that God is establishing.   He needs you—and the gifts he has given you—to do it!

“Father, help me to recognize my gifts and use them for your glory.”

Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14
Mark 4:21-25