Weak and unworthy?

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary are full of contrast and cognitive dissonance. King David, in the second Book of Samuel, is continuing to suffer as one who puts his will before the direction shown him by God. Our logical analysis of this situation causes us to question the reasoning of David. He has already known great life and glory from cooperation with the Will of God and yet we do get insight into our own powerful battles with ego that constantly exert our will over the direction we understand through our relationship with the Divine. The Gospel of Mark shows the response of the collective when the fears of loss of control to a calling, to wisdom, astonishment, awe and intimacy threatens the same old same old. The Prophet who sees and invites is sent away. The steadfastness, mercy and forgiveness of God proclaimed today by the psalmist is the note of hope that the grace of faith will fan the flame of Life and defeat the demon of our need to be in control.