Throat diseases and St Blaise.

"As David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. All those who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went." (2 Samuel 15: 30).

Monday 3rd February 2020 in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Blaise (+316), Bishop and Martyr. St Blaise is famous for the cures through his intercession of diseases of the throat. Hence the blessings of the throat in all Churches in the world during Mass today. I have taken advantage of this grace for many years.

Today is also the feast of St Ansgar (801- 865) Bishop. Born in France, Ansgar ministered in Denmark and Sweden where many miraculous cures were attributed to him.

Our key Scripture for Monday shows David in dire crisis. A coup d'etat is in progress in Jerusalem led by Absalom, David's son. David was compelled to leave Jerusalem in a hurry. An incident happened on his way to exile which demonstrates David's profound faith in God and His Divine Providence. David was verbally assaulted by Shimei from the same clan of King Saul. He hauled stones on David as he followed David and the army guarding David. The army asked permission from David to kill Shimei.
"Suppose the Lord has told him to curse David; who then will dare to say, ‘Why are you doing this?" (2 Samuel 16: 5). Again we see David resisting the suggestion by his military to shade blood even when he might have been justified in public opinion. David understands that court of public opinion is different from the judgment of God.

What lessons can we learn from today's Scripture:

#1 Even kings and presidents are not spared crisis. St Teresa of Avila advises us to be always prepared for trials. Trial and crisis are part of God's sovereign governance of the world.

#2 "So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5: 6 - 7).

David teaches us how to be faithful and trusting in God under an extreme crisis. May this lesson be a light for our path today.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com