A reading from the second Book of Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a,13-17
At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign, David sent out Joab along with his officers and the army of Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. David, however, remained in Jerusalem. One evening David rose from his siesta and strolled about on the roof of the palace.
From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful. David had inquiries made about the woman and was told, “She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of Joab’s armor bearer Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her. She then returned to her house. But the woman had conceived, and sent the information to David, “I am with child.”
David therefore sent a message to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. When he came, David questioned him about Joab, the soldiers, and how the war was going, and Uriah answered that all was well. David then said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and bathe your feet.” Uriah left the palace, and a portion was sent out after him from the king’s table. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace with the other officers of his lord, and did not go down to his own house. David was told that Uriah had not gone home. On the day following, David summoned him, and he ate and drank with David, who made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his bed among his lord’s servants, and did not go down to his home. The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab which he sent by Uriah. In it he directed: “Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.” So while Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the defenders were strong. When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David’s army fell, and among them Uriah the Hittite died.
REFLECTION: ...." Uriah the Hittite died".
Without a doubt, this is the lowest point in David's life--both spiritually and morally!! David in Hebrew means "Beloved".
David was a model believer, a spiritual giant and a man after God's heart. David was a hero in the eyes of Israel. Despite all the trust, worhsip and beautiful psalms for God, David fell deeply into sin. If such a great man can fall, so can we. How far can we fall? Rape, adultery, lying, deception, stealing and murder.
There is no sin we are not capable of doing. Sin began with lust, and pride and arrogance covered it up. All within the palace and surrounding area knew what occurred between Bathsheba and David. Yet, David could not simply confess and tell Uriah what had happened. After all, he was the King! He chose to further his unfortunate situation by deceiving and tempting Uriah. Then he involved Joab into having Uriah assasinated. His original sin was now snowballing!
Finally ...." Uriah the Hittite died".
David forgot God. He forgot about His mercy, His love and His forgiveness.
Wherever we find ourselves, no matter what is developing, no matter what we have done, if we go to God and ask forgiveness, He will wipe out and forget your sins. God does not change--He forgives as long as we are sorry for our sins. David was able to pick up the pieces of his broken life and carried on.
May we never forget that the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is God's provision for covering our sins. We can continue to receive His graces and His forgiveness everytime we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
God Bless
