Awe and Action

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to the declaration of Nathan to David “Its You” as we contemplate our responsibility in the turbulent seas of our daily voyage.

Action to Calm the Storm

The Reading from the Second Book of  Samuel presents Nathan’s Parable and David’s Repentance

* [12:1–7] David has committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of her husband. Instead of directly indicting the king for this criminal abuse of his royal authority, the prophet Nathan tells David a story. In the story, a parable of David’s own actions, a powerful man takes cruel advantage of his vulnerable neighbor. Hearing the story, David is outraged and denounces the rich man—thus unwittingly pronouncing judgment on himself (“You are the man,” v. 7).

* [12:6] Fourfold restitution: David’s judgment foreshadows the deaths of four of his own sons: the child born of his adulterous union with Bathsheba (v. 18); Amnon (13:28–29); Absalom (18:15; 19:1); and Adonijah (1 Kgs 2:24–25).

* [12:11] In broad daylight: lit., “before the eyes of the sun”; the phrase echoes “before your very eyes” and anticipates “in the presence of the sun itself” (v. 12). The reference is to Absalom’s action in appropriating his father’s harem (16:22). (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 51 prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. The first part (Ps 51:3–10) asks deliverance from sin, not just a past act but its emotional, physical, and social consequences. The second part (Ps 51:11–19) seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God (Ps 51:12–13), like the relation between God and people described in Jer 31:33–34. Nearness to God brings joy and the authority to teach sinners (Ps 51:15–16). Such proclamation is better than offering sacrifice (Ps 51:17–19). The last two verses express the hope that God’s good will toward those who are cleansed and contrite will prompt him to look favorably on the acts of worship offered in the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 51:19 [20–21]). (Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calms a Storm at Sea.

* [4:35–5:43] After the chapter on parables, Mark narrates four miracle stories: Mk 4:35–41; 5:1–20; and two joined together in Mk 5:21–43. See also notes on Mt 8:23–34 and 9:8–26.

* [4:39] Quiet! Be still!: as in the case of silencing a demon (Mk 1:25), Jesus rebukes the wind and subdues the turbulence of the sea by a mere word; see note on Mt 8:26.

* [4:41] Jesus is here depicted as exercising power over wind and sea. In the Christian community this event was seen as a sign of Jesus’ saving presence amid persecutions that threatened its existence. (Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that God wants us to follow with a heart open to his calling, an obedience demonstrated in how we live our lives in service to others, not just by attending Mass or reading daily devotions. How we conduct our daily affairs shows that we honor his authority and his commandments, and that we place our complete trust in God.

Obedience that is not simply adhering to rules but a conscience and willing submission of one’s will to God’s authority is what we should strive for. This type of obedience, based on love, is far better than one based on ritual. And if we choose to follow this path with a willing heart, we will have a closer and more personal relationship with God.

Obedience to God’s message for us must be truly from the heart and done with the intention to serve God, not out of fear, duty, or anticipated reward. For how we live our lives and immerse ourselves in helping those around is how best to be obedient to God’s will. (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Awakening the Christ asleep within you,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When you have to listen to abuse, that means you are being buffeted by the wind. When your anger is roused, you are being tossed by the waves. So when the winds blow and the waves mount high, the boat is in danger, your heart is imperiled, your heart is taking a battering. On hearing yourself insulted, you long to retaliate; but the joy of revenge brings with it another kind of misfortune - shipwreck. Why is this? Because Christ is asleep in you. What do I mean? I mean you have forgotten his presence. Rouse him, then; remember him, let him keep watch within you, pay heed to him... A temptation arises: it is the wind. It disturbs you: it is the surging of the sea. This is the moment to awaken Christ and let him remind you of those words: 'Who can this be? Even the winds and the sea obey him." (excerpt from Sermons 63:1-3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 4:35-41 comments on “godly fear”. It’s a new recognition of God’s holiness, majesty, and power. This fear causes a new prayer to arise in our hearts. It’s a prayer of reverence that acknowledges God’s power and his sovereignty over all creation—and over our lives. This holy fear humbles us and moves us to surrender our concerns to him—and to trust in his wisdom. It tells us that this God, who loves us unconditionally, is utterly able to care for us and our loved ones, even if we don’t understand how he will do it.

Yes, Jesus is so powerful that the mighty winds and the churning seas of life obey him. But never forget that this holy, all-powerful God is your God and your Savior. He is in the boat with you. He is on your side. He will not let you sink. So cry out to him when you are afraid. But cry out in holy fear, trusting in him and surrendering to his care!

“Jesus, I trust in you and in your awesome power and authority over all creation!” (Meditation on Mark 4:35-41, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in 2 Samuel Nathan advises David about the man with a little ewe lamb killed by the rich family “Who are the Man” “It’s you” God will send punishment in secret will be done in public The child of Bathsheba dies. David turns from sin and seeks mercy from the Lord. In Mark, we encounter the first of the series of nature, exorcisms, and healing miracles. First, He calms the sea, a reservoir of evil. In Calming the sea it shows Jesus' power over the demonic force in the sea, as spiritual forces. The disciples are filled with awe and wonder as Jesus does an exorcism and two healings. Friar Jude notes that, after all this, the people say “who does he think He is .“ In Nazareth they know Him too well.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Biblical scholars Christopher Hoklotubbe and Daniel Zacharias who describe an Indigenous way of reading the Bible as a circle or dance that makes room for all that is encouraging and difficult. As Oglala Lakota elder Black Elk wrote, “You will notice that everything the Indian does is in a circle … the power from the sacred hoop.”

The words of Scripture have become the wisdom of our adoptive elders and ancestors. The desire for the Scriptures to dominate as the sole authority, denigrating and replacing Indigenous cultural traditions, is a colonizing form of Christianity that Indigenous people the world over have encountered.

Indigenous followers of Christ do not enter into this relationship blissfully ignorant and unwilling to reckon with the sometimes harsh realities of the biblical text.… Indigenous encounters with the biblical text have not shied away from wrestling with and critiquing the biblical text. Jacob/Israel encountered God at Bethel and wrestled through the night with him (Genesis 32:22–31). He left the encounter with a blessing but also with a limp. The Scriptures today are like a modern-day Bethel for the family of faith—a place in which we encounter God and can leave the encounter blessed or bruised, sometimes both simultaneously. But in the midst of these encounters, we maintain our hope in the power of the “God-breathed” or “inspired” Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) to give life to those who hold them as sacred. (Rohr, 2026)

Catholic theologian David Deane talks with Jeff Douglas, on CBC Mainstreet, about why so many American Christians support US President Donald Trump in spite of his sins. Deane cites the Biblical King David as a source of the American belief that good can come from evil actions by our leaders.

We are invited by the Spirit to meditate on the “storms” of fear, anxiety, despair, and isolation where we have experienced calming of the sea through awakening our relationship with Jesus.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/4?35 

Meditation on Mark 4:35-41. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/31/1491045/ 

Psalms, PSALM 51 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?12 

Rohr, R. (2026, January 29). More than One Meaning — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/more-than-one-meaning/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-31-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Why Are You Afraid? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 31, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/12?1 

Covenant and Prophecy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder how the promise made to our spiritual ancestors is lived today as we prepare for Christmas.

The Dawn from On High

In the reading from the Second Book of Samuel, the Oracle of Nathan declares God’s Covenant with David.

* [7:8–16] The message Nathan delivers to David, called the Dynastic Oracle, is prompted by David’s intention to build a house (i.e., a temple) for the Lord, like David’s own house (i.e., palace) of cedar. David is told, in effect, not to bother building a house for the Lord; rather, the Lord will make a house for him—a dynasty, the House of David. Not only will he have descendants (v. 12) who will sit upon the throne of Israel (v. 13), their rule will last forever (vv. 13, 16); and even if they transgress the Lord’s commands, the line of David will never be removed from kingship as Saul was (cf. 1 Sm 13; 15). The oracle establishes the Davidic king as standing in relationship to the Lord as a son to a father (v. 14; cf. Ps 2:7; 89:27). The Dynastic Oracle, with cognate texts in the Scriptures, is the basis for Jewish expectations of an anointed king (1 Sm 12:3, 5), son of David (Mt 21:9); cf. Acts 2:30; Heb 1:5. (2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52).

* [89:3–5] David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30. (Psalm 89, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke proclaims Zechariah’s Prophecy.

* [1:68–79] Like the canticle of Mary (Lk 1:46–55) the canticle of Zechariah is only loosely connected with its context. Apart from Lk 1:76–77, the hymn in speaking of a horn for our salvation (Lk 1:69) and the daybreak from on high (Lk 1:78) applies more closely to Jesus and his work than to John. Again like Mary’s canticle, it is largely composed of phrases taken from the Greek Old Testament and may have been a Jewish Christian hymn of praise that Luke adapted to fit the present context by inserting Lk 1:76–77 to give Zechariah’s reply to the question asked in Lk 1:66.

* [1:69] A horn for our salvation: the horn is a common Old Testament figure for strength (Ps 18:3; 75:5–6; 89:18; 112:9; 148:14). This description is applied to God in Ps 18:3 and is here transferred to Jesus. The connection of the phrase with the house of David gives the title messianic overtones and may indicate an allusion to a phrase in Hannah’s song of praise (1 Sm 2:10), “the horn of his anointed.”

* [1:76] You will go before the Lord: here the Lord is most likely a reference to Jesus (contrast Lk 1:15–17 where Yahweh is meant) and John is presented as the precursor of Jesus.

* [1:78] The daybreak from on high: three times in the LXX (Jer 23:5; Zec 3:8; 6:12), the Greek word used here for daybreak translates the Hebrew word for “scion, branch,” an Old Testament messianic title. (Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner comments that in the Gospel of Luke, as in the earlier reading, the promises made are recalled, and the story retold of what has come before.

My prayer for today as I wait and anticipate what these words have foretold is in the last words of the Gospel: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in the darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  I pray for light and peace (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “My words will not pass away,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church

"'O forerunner of Christ!... O Baptist inspired by God! We glorify Christ who bowed his head before you in the Jordan and sanctified the nature of mortal humankind... O wise John the forerunner, you have looked down from the bank of the river upon the glory of the Father's Word, even the Son as he stood in the waters; and you have seen the Spirit descend as a dove, cleansing and enlightening the ends of the earth. To you the mystery of the Trinity was revealed; and to you we sing, honoring your divine festival.

"O Baptist and forerunner, strengthened by the divine grace of Christ you have shown us the lamb that takes away all the sins of the world (John 1:29,35-36), and with joy you have this day brought two disciples to him (John 1:35-42). Entreat him that peace and great mercy may be given to our souls." (excerpt from SYNAXIS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 1:67-79 comments that both Zechariah and Scrooge experienced a “dawn from on high” breaking upon them and giving them a fresh start and a new beginning (Luke 1:78).

So turn to the Lord with a sense of hope and expectation. It’s never too late for miracles to happen. Just ask Ebenezer Scrooge—or Zechariah! Let the magnitude of Jesus’ birth make you bold and confident enough to ask the Lord for your own miracle. It may be for healing for you or someone you love. It may be for the grace to overcome some persistent problem. Don’t be shy; ask for something you think is impossible. God won’t mind. He loves seeing his children reach out to him in faith.

The Messiah is coming, and nothing will ever be the same!

“Jesus, thank you for coming to live among us. Your birth means that my life cannot and must not stay the same!” (Meditation on Luke 1:67-79, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler asks if David is “Doing a favour for God?” as he suggests building for God, a Temple. The Dynastic Oracle is proclaimed by Nathan ending the charismatic choice of leaders of Israel. Friar Jude reminds us that the Canticle of Zechariah, written as a literary chiasmus, underlines that God has remembered His Holy Covenant.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author Cole Arthur Riley who reflects on how the incarnation of Jesus in Mary invites us to radically embrace our own embodiment. Riley offers this Advent prayer, reminding us to honor experiences of our own helplessness.

It is not lost on us that you submitted to the body of a woman, trusting in it to protect and grow you. As we remember the nine months you dwelt in the womb, the body of God being nurtured and carried, remind us that our own bodies are worthy of such care and tenderness. May this be a season of sacred pause, as we allow time to be near to our own bodies, to protect and strengthen them. In a world that demands so much of us, remind us that Christ did not come to us in physical independence, allowing the world to take and use him without limitation. Show us the face of the Christ who was gravely dependent, who needed to be held, fed, washed. Who needed to be soothed and rocked to sleep. If we are to honor the divine in us, may it be this divinity—fully embodied, fully dignified in the body. Amen. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

As we prepare to begin our celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, we contemplate the promise of fullness of life that we are anointed to proclaim as fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?67 

Meditation on Luke 1:67-79. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/12/24/1157889/ 

Psalm 89. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Honoring Jesus’ Embodiment and Our Own. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/honoring-jesus-embodiment-and-our-own/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Nothing Is Impossible with God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=dec24 

2 Samuel, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/7?1 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved December 24, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/122424.html