Eternal v Earthly Treasure – Jan 29 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 29, 2024, on the humility and penance of King David, the patience of saints, and the spiritual lessons from Jesus' miracles, urging the prioritization of eternal over earthly values.

The homily begins by reflecting on the biblical story of King David, highlighting the contrast between his heroic virtue and the worldly desires of the men of Gerasenes. David, though a skilled military leader, chooses to flee from his son Absalom, acknowledging God's providence and accepting his suffering as penance for his sins, including the murder of Uriah the Hittite and adultery. This acceptance is illustrated when David, barefoot and with his head uncovered, endures the insults and stones thrown by Shimei, a relative of Saul. Father references St. Ambrose's teaching on patience, paralleling David's reaction to that of St. Paul, who blessed when cursed. The homily also touches on the Gospel story of Jesus in pagan territory, expelling demons from a possessed man into swine, emphasizing themes of divine permission, spiritual deliverance, and the prioritization of spiritual over material values.

00:00 – Introduction to God's Tests
00:10 – David's Virtue and Challenges
00:35 – David's Acceptance of God's Punishment
01:32 – David's Strategy and Patience
02:19 – Shimei's Accusations and David's Reaction
04:21 – Christ's Encounter with the Possessed Man
05:07 – The Demon's Influence and Christ's Teaching
06:07 – Economic Considerations vs. Spiritual Values

Ave Maria!

Mass: Monday 4th Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012924.cfm
1st: 2sa 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13
Resp: psa 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gsp: mar 5:1-20

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1583

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