Sherry Sterling

Dear friends,

I often have a few books going at once, reading from one in the morning, and from another before bed. They might be books on therapeutic interventions, on spirituality, poetry, politics, and a how-to book.

I’ve found that the mix of ideas inform each other, like cross-pollination in plants that can lead to the development of new varieties and keeps plant populations healthy.

The lectionary selections for each day affect me in the same way. One reading informs the next, and the last reading can shed light on the first. 

That’s the case with today’s readings. The Old Testament reading from 2 Samuel (19:1-23) sounds like a story for the history books, until the Gospel reading from Mark (12:28-34) brings it to life.

In 2 Samuel, King David is weeping over the death of his son Absalom. Absalom had tried to overthrow his father and take the throne. This led to a rebellion and a battle, which King David’s army won. But Absalom was killed. News of King David’s mourning got to the army, which turned its victory into shame, and his army went slinking away. Joab, the commander of David’s army, rebuked David: 

Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your (family). …You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you.

Ouch, how harsh. Of course David is mourning the loss of his son, no matter how insolent his son had been.

In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus is asked about the most important commandment: 

‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ’is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Through the lens of the Gospel reading, I see David’s mourning as his private loss. By neglecting to celebrate his army’s victory, he didn’t maintain his role as leader. He forgot his neighbor. He focused on his own grief and lost perspective of the wider community.

This has me reflecting on the times when my own suffering has narrowed my view, focusing on my pain and neglecting the pain—or happiness—of others. I pray for God’s forgiveness and for the strength to give others as much attention as I give myself.

Peace and love,

—Sherry