Daily Retreat 02/01/06

2006 Feb 1 Wed: Ordinary Weekday

2 Sm 24: 2. 9-17/ Ps 31(32): 1-2. 5. 6. 7/ Mk 6: 1-6

From today’s readings: "David said to the LORD: ‘It is I who have sinned; it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong....’ Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.... Where did this man get all this?"

What’s Wrong With a Census?

We must face the fact that some things in the Bible are unexplained, such as why David’s census of his kingdom was such a grievous sin, as the king himself came to see it. Certainly, it was motivated with much self-interest, for, on the basis of the census, David could impose taxes and levy recruits for his army and labor for his projects.

Some have suggested that the census was proof of arrogance and presumption, undertaken so David would be in a position to rely less on the Lord for guidance; others have seen in it a challenge to God in taking such a precise inventory of the nation’s population.

In any event, because he is king, the ramifications of his sin are felt by the whole people. David’s plea is spiked with nobility but laced with futility: "It is I who have sinned; it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong. But these are sheep; what have they done? Punish me and my kindred." Although David nobly recognizes his personal responsibility, as king, the destiny of the nation he leads is grafted to his personal fate, for good and for ill.

In the modern political climate of radical individualism, we tend to forget that the leaders we delegate are likewise invested with concomitant responsibility for our national destiny. Judges, legislators, and other leaders such as governors and presidents must always take into account that their decisions will affect, for good and for ill, all their constituencies; even when few have the nobility to own up to personal responsibility, all will witness the futility of forever ignoring the inevitable evil aftermath of sinful choices of leaders.

 

Note:  The Virtual Retreat is now being blogged!  In recent years, weblogs (better known as "blogs") have become increasingly popular, so I've decided to also offer the Virtual Retreat in that format (http://virtualretreat.blogspot.com/).  The daily reflections will continue to be posted on the Immaculate Heart Retreat website (www.ihrc.net) and still emailed to those who have signed up for the free mailing list at dailyretreat.org.  The new blog format will better accomodate those who have requested access to past reflections - all of the January reflections are already available in the blog archive link, and I will see about eventually re-posting reflections from past years as well.  Also, in response to a number of requests for an "early edition" for those in other time zones, the blog posting generally will be at least several hours earlier than the emails.  Thank you for helpful suggestions, feedback, and continual prayers and support!