Thursday....

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Today is Thursday, February 6, 2014.
Also, the feast of St. Paul Miki and Companions

Good Morning.

A thought for the day:
Sunrise, sunset.

The Church’s 1st reading for today: 1 Kings chapter 2 verses 1-4, 10-12

When the time of David’s death drew near,
he gave these instructions to his son Solomon:
“I am going the way of all flesh.
Take courage and be a man.
Keep the mandate of the LORD, your God, following his ways
and observing his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees
as they are written in the law of Moses,
that you may succeed in whatever you do,
wherever you turn, and the LORD may fulfill
the promise he made on my behalf when he said,
‘If your sons so conduct themselves
that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart
and with their whole soul,
you shall always have someone of your line
on the throne of Israel.’”

David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years:
he reigned seven years in Hebron
and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

Solomon was seated on the throne of his father David,
with his sovereignty firmly established

* * *

Words are like men and women. Some are as weak as a scarecrow's handshake. Other words are as strong as Mr. Skunk's fragrant odor after he munches down a bermuda onion. Words are important. King David knew the importance of words. His joys and sorrows, mountain tops and valleys were best expressed in words.

David also knew fathers are important. He who had been raised by a simple father in a burg called Bethlehem. He who had watched his father's flocks and kept them from the ravening wolves and the wily rustlers. He who had raised ten sons and saw them fight and claw for his tottering throne. His children had disappointed him and exalted him.

The psalmist sings his swan song in our passage this morning. He gives to Solomon strong words before the curtain closes on the stage. David is looking into the eyes of his son, Solomon. He is a father whispering goodbye to his son, his nation, and his home.

We have a Father, too. One who loves us when we lose and loves us when we loaf. A Father whose footstep catches our ears as we flee Him down the years. A Father who picks us up when we fall and faces us in the right direction. A Father who knows the importance of our words when we speak to Him. A Father whom we have disappointed and exalted.

A Father who awaits our return.

God bless,
Father Pat
….. ps see you again February 17