FRIDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

4TH FEBRUARY 2022

Sirach 47:2-11, Psms 18, Mark 6:14-29

From Shepherd Boy to King of Israel

• In our first reading today, Sirach gives a type of eulogy in honour of David.

It chronologically follows his life from shepherd boy to King of Israel;

- David was selected from the sons of Israel

- He played with Lions as with young goats and with bears as with lambs of flock.

- In his youth did he not kill a giant ……. and struck down the boasting of Goliath?

- For he wiped out his enemies….his adversaries the

Philistines

- He sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker

- The Lord…gave him the covenant of Kings and a throne of glory in Israel.

• Youth and reckless courage go hand in hand. David lived his youthfulness during the days of fighting bears and lions; he then proved himself superior to a giant – Goliath. That launched his illustrious military career and it set the stage for him to become the future leader of the nation. The Eulogy mention of David’s love of music; even his sins are alluded to, for they were a part of his life too.

• How would we write the stories of our lives?

- Most of us have goals in mind that we would like to accomplish. If they are difficulty and grand, they will not just happen. We will need to struggle mightily to turn them into realities.

- Some may think that they are unable to achieve worthwhile objectives because they didn’t have the proper background, attend the right schools, or live in the correct places. We achieve in proportion to what we attempt. Each of us has the potential and opportunity to succeed.

- Prov. 29:18 says; “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” It is not the absence of things that makes you unhappy – it’s the absence of vision. You can predict someone’s future by her awareness of her destiny. The impact of any person is determined by the cause for which he lives and the price he is willing to pay. What you set your heart on will determine how you spend your life.

- Do not take lightly your dreams and hopes. Cherish them, for they are like children birthed within you. It is better to die for something than it is to live for nothing. The answer to your future lies outside the confines that you have right now. Strive to be a history maker and world shaker, like David, go where you have never gone before.

• May you develop an infinite capacity to ignore what others think can’t be done; even a giant (Goliath) can be brought down by a small boy (David) just with one stone. Don’t just grow where you are planted. Bloom where you are planted and bear fruits. All the time remember that there is always a room at the top.

• No one can predict to what heights you can soar. Even you will not know until you spread your wings; Shepherds can still become Kings!