Strength in weakness

During January we have listened to the first readings from the books of Samuel. We have heard stories of how God was with David from his youth, when he overcame the giant Goliath. After the death of Saul, David was anointed as King of Israel and performed many great deeds. But today, in 2 Samuel Chapter 11, we hear a pivotal story in the life of David. He who has received so many of God's generous blessings gives way to temptations of adultery and murder The story can shock us but it can also be a reminder to us that we too are sinners. However, Jesus himself tells us that we have an advantage that David never had. When he praises John the Baptist as the greatest of prophets, Jesus says that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (Matthew 11:11). Like David, John did not experience the death and resurrection of Jesus, the centre of our faith and source of our strength. Paul too agonizes over his weakness in the face of temptation. ''What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me.'' (Romans 7:24-25). Let us conclude with these encouraging words of Paul. ''The Lord replied, my kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak. So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Because when I am weak, I am strong.'' (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Thank you Lord.