Homily: Feast of St. Blaise

Feast of St. Blaise (1 Kings 2:1ff) “Do I think I Control the Future?”

King David was a powerful figure. We picture him as the shepherd boy who was picked out by God to lead a nation. He seems to have no ambition as a young man. He only takes the Kingdom of Israel away from King Saul reluctantly.

But is that the way it really was. Most scholars would believe that King David was an ambitious man who was a great guerilla leader. He was politically astute. He knew how to use his power to get what he wanted. He was able to unite the twelve tribes of Israel. He established the capital city of Jerusalem.

David wanted a city where people would come to worship the one God. We could say that he used religion to unite his people. Jerusalem became a center of pilgrimage. Eventually, Solomon (David’s Son) built a temple that was one of the finest in the world. Great feasts were set on the calendar when people were expected to come and make sacrifice. This meant that people would come and stay in the city and buy animals to make sacrifices and pay the temple officials for the privilege. It was a big business.

In the First Book of Kings, which we read from today, David is getting close to death.  Even in his last days of life David is trying to control things. He makes sure that Solomon, Bathsheba’s son is put on the throne. It almost seems like David wants to run his kingdom from the grave.

He tells Solomon that his sons need to keep the Lord’s statutes and commands if they do, the thrown will be secure. As we read on in the days ahead, we will see how the Kingdom falls apart. David’s descendants are less than capable. And they do not keep the statutes of the Lord.

David’s earthly kingdom does not last. David’s efforts to establish a kingdom that will last forever are frustrated. There have been a lot of rulers who have come after David who thought they could be immortal through establishing empires on earth, but ultimately, they all failed. The only Kingdom that is everlasting is the Kingdom Jesus established.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I get frustrated when I try to control all aspects of an important situation? Is that possible?
2. How do I feel about people who are always grasping for power? What lessons are there in those who fail at power games?

 Dear Parishioners,

           At 4 p.m. on February 12^th we will be celebrating World Marriage Day. This is a day when we recognize all those with anniversaries of marriage. We especially honor those who are celebrating their 25^th or 50^th anniversaries. If you have not called our office yet, please do so and we can read your names at Mass.

          You do not have to be celebrating a jubilee to come and renew your marriage vows. Every couple is invited to do so. Renewing vows and recommitting is a special sign to others that we are still dedicated to our Christian vocation. It is also a sign of love. I hope as many people as possible can join us on February 12^th.

          May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

          Fr. Mark