Year C: 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading:  Samuel 12:7-10, 13

If you have time, it is worth reading what led up to the Reading given for today (2 Sam. ch. 11)  David has exploited his position as King to send Uriah to his death so that he can marry his wife Bathsheba. He thought that he had got away with it - but God knew what had happened and the evil that lay at the heart of it all.

David, fortunately, has the courage to acknowledge his sin - and duly - and gratefully - receives the forgiveness of God.

We do not know whether David wrote the psalm that is offered in response to the Reading - but it must express how he - and the woman in the Gospel - felt when they realised that they had been set free from the guilt and shame their sin had brought upon them.

It can express our gratitude too - Psalm no.31/ 32* - “Happy the man whose offence is forgiven...”

* The difference in the numbering of the Psalms causes a bit of confusion. Psalm 9 (Latin text) can also be Psalms 9 & 10 (Hebrew text) In general, Catholics use the Latin numbering - the lower number - Protestants the Hebrew. This is why we have trouble finding Ps. 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd in our Bibles - it is Ps 22 there!

If in doubt, check the first lines to see which makes sense...

What does it mean for me?

When have you felt shame for things you have done - or not done?

         Text © 2006 Wellspring

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