Thursday, 3rd Week of Ordinary Time (II)

January 29,2004

by Rev. Herbert Nichols

The first reading today is unusual in that it is not a teaching, a lesson addressed to us; but rather, a prayer addressed to God. Even so the prayer is a lesson in relationship God.

Nathan the prophet has just informed King David of a solemn promise from God that he would be the foundation of a dynasty that would have as its capstone the messianic savior, Jesus the Lord.

David is filled with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. But the foundation of his praise is humility. He says to God: Who am I Lord God; and who are the members of my clan that you have brought me such astonishing news?

David realized that he was a mere mortal and had done nothing to merit this prophecy. The promise God made was freely given out of unmerited love.

At the beginning of every Eucharistic Prayer, the priest leads the congregation saying: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. The congregation echoes: It is right and just to give Him thanks and praise. The foundation of this prayer must be humility. It is the prayer of the God-man who laid down upon the cross, stretched out his arms, and gave his life for our ransom.

If a person works hard all month at his/her job, they have a right to expect a suitable paycheck. That worker need not be grateful to the employer because the salary is due in justice. Humility enables us to recognize that in justice God does not owe us anything. Rather everything that He gives is gift.

This kind of humility is not debasing. It does not place us in the position of a beggar who has to seek the pity of others. God does not pity us. He has mercy on us, unconditional love, because He wants to give Himself and His goodness to us if we are open to accept.

And in return it is only right that we should give Him thanks and praise.