THE BITTER TRUTH: WE NEVER LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS. (Homily for February 4, 2016. Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time.)


Bible Study:  1st Kings 2, 1 to 4 and 10 to 12. And Mark 6, 7 to 13.


In today’s first reading, we see a moving account of David handing on to his son, Solomon. In his final parting words, David said: “I am about to go the way of all the earth, so be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

When you try to go beyond the surface value of these words of advice, you will see in David, a man who knew what it meant to walk with God, a man who made serious mistakes and realised his mistakes and also, a man who did not wish anybody to go through the pains he experienced. And the best gift David could offer to this son Solomon was to tell him the truth. Walk in the ways of God, keep his commands, his laws and requirements and you will be secure.

In a sense, David was saying to Solomon, “if you do not want to suffer what I suffered, do not break faith with God, walk in his way, obey his commandments and strive to please him.” Now, the question is: What would eventually become of Solomon? Did he really listen to David’s advice? Even David himself, did he learn from Saul his predecessor?

Why is it that we humans do not learn from the mistakes of others? Why do we prefer to make our own mistakes instead? How come we read stories like this in the Bible and they do not seem to change anything in us?

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus sends out his twelve disciples two by two into the towns and villages and imparts upon them authority over unclean spirits. These twelve disciples had been with Jesus learning from him. So at this point, Jesus wants them to go out and gain some practical experience for themselves.

It takes humility as well as a deep sense of wisdom to learn from others. Failure to learn only brings about history repeating itself. Just imagine what the reign of Solomon would have been if he had actually learnt David’s mistakes and put his advice to practice. Or imagine what would have been the fate of the twelve disciples if they had ignored Jesus’ instructions.

Life is too short to make your own mistakes, begin to learn from others today.

Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, open my heart to truly learn by walking in your ways, following your instructions and keeping your commandments that I may not repeat the mistakes of the past. Amen.

God bless you. Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you.


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