Promise kept

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary encourage us to consider how we understand and relate to the Promises of God. The psalmist is adamant that God does not forget His promises. This truth underlies the trust of the great persons of faith Abraham and Mary. The trust which requires faith beyond the understanding of our heart and mind is the goal of the believer. The text from the second book of Samuel is argued by WilliamM. Schniedewind, as having a profound effect on the shaping of Israel as a nation. The establishment of a hereditary monarchy in Israel is identified by Friar Jude Winkler as a change from charismatic selection of the Hebrew leaders. Human interpretation of the Promise of God can be used by people to facilitate their own social, political and economic ideas. This certainly is an active endeavour of many who claim to be agents of the will of God in bringing their form of change to society. The attribute of a Divine Promise is that it will be fulfilled. The “yes” of Mary completes the Promise of God to David of an heir to be ruler of the Kingdom of God. The text from the Gospel of Luke, the “Benedictus”, is the hymn which proclaims the Promise to David being realized as the Prophet of the arrival of Jesus (“God saves”), John prepares the Way.