NOT TO US, LORD, NOT TO US, BUT TO YOU!
9 th Day of Simbang Gabi / Misa de Gallo December 24, 2009 Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a-16 / Lk 1:67-79
The power and position and authority of David were all getting a little bit into his head. Well-meaning definitely, he thought he ought to God a favor. Feeling sorry for the ark of the covenant that was reposed in a tent, while he was safely ensconced in a house of cedar, he thought of constructing a house for the Lord.
But Nathan the prophet, who initially thought it was a good idea and supported him, later pounced on this initial sign of hubris, after a dream, and put David right back in his place. No … it is not for you to build a house for God, for God Himself will build a house. God reminded David that it was Him who took him from pasture, who made him ruler, who entrusted to him a great responsibility. God made known to David who was calling the shots. And it was not David, powerful though...