Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wednesday, March 15, 2006
(Daily readings - Ps 72, 119:73-96; Gen 42:18-28, 1Cor 5:6-6:8, Mark 4:1-20)

A FATHER’S LOVE
By Philip Conroy

Scripture: "They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations." ...Psalm 72:5

The acte finale of Davidian poetry, the culmination of a lifetime’s work writing and singing songs of praise and worship, lamentation and supplication, is Psalm 72. From his formative years as Jesse’s shepherd boy in the Judean highlands, to pleading on Israel’s throne, "Create in me a clean heart, O God", following his moral downfall, King David poured his heart into music. Playing and singing the psalms spoke to his soul like no other voice could.

This is David’s swansong. It is a prayer for his heir apparent son, Solomon, who soon will assume the title and bear the mantle of King of Israel, ruler of God’s chosen people. In Psalm 72 we sense David’s last opportunity to impart an appreciation of God’s covenant, handed down from Abraham and now to be nurtured and represented to God’s people on earth by Solomon.

Taken in that light, one can even today peer into the soul of David and see what he considers important for his son to know:

- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Echoed in Proverbs 1:7

- Judge thy people with righteousness

- Judge the poor fairly, save the children of the needy, protect the helpless

- Bring peace, through righteousness and faithfulness, especially your own

- Redeem the poor and defenseless, spare their souls, keep their blood precious

- Bless the Lord, the God of Israel; make his name continually upon the lips of his people

- God only does wondrous things; let the whole of earth be filled with his glory

Does this resonate in any of us? What role in society and family life have our fathers taught us, through an understanding of the concept of "covenant"? How do we represent the covenant of God to a lost and spiritually bereft world? Do we even know what "covenant" really means?

We need to start somewhere. Lent is a good place and time to do so, as Christ’s passion leads us to honestly review ourselves, our idolatries. Psalm 119 is also a wonderful primer to begin to feel the true meaning of God’s mercy. If you have ever had a relationship where one "went beyond the call of duty" for you, you have experienced covenant love. You will never forget it.

March 15 is special to me not because of Julius Caesar’s "Beware the ides of March", but rather it is my older brother Gerald’s birthday. In past years I have written about him, how he preceded me to Viet Nam by 2 ½ years, how he overcame tremendous personal obstacles in the immediate post-war period, and how he has always been faithful, as only a brother can, to Cathy and our family, to his own family, and to the church. Jerry is a serious musician, both on the violin and in voce baritone. He possesses every ounce of the tempestuous Teutonic and Celtic impulses, that war-like nature handed down from our forefathers, but his life has become a disciplined celebration of the Grace of God. He is always faithful. He is my David.

Brotherly/fatherly covenant love is a major theme of the Genesis 42-50 story of Joseph and the sons of Jacob. And Joseph fell upon his father’s face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. The covenant with God that each of us has through our fellowship of believers is emphasized in the epistle reading. Finally, Jesus’ explanation of "The parable of the sower" to his disciples in the Gospel sets the stage, sows the seed of His covenant relationship with them.

Today it is easy to feel lost, alone, and adrift in a sea of activity, responsibility and care. Our trusts have been betrayed, our hopes have been dashed, and an insensitive world seems to march on without us. We need someone to tell us about that covenant made by an unchanging, ever-loving, merciful God who stands up for us like no other can. Who will be your David? Whose David will you be?

Prayer: Heavenly father, help us be true to Your love. Help us to heal the sick and bind up the broken hearted. Use us to bring Your tender mercies to the poor, the oppressed, the defenseless, and those who have never experienced Your covenant. Strengthen that love in us, In Jesus’ name.