He loved God

In the readings for today's liturgy we have an excerpt from the Old Testament Book of Sirach.  (47:2-11)  In it the author, Ben Sira, sings the praises of King David. While God had chosen David to lead the people of Israel, in the midst of David's glorious reign, he sinned seriously before  God.  Ben Sira says that although David sinned "with his whole being he loved his maker."

We too are sinners, but we can choose, and it is possible, to love God with our whole being.  David loved the most High God "who gave strength to his right arm."  We too should ask God to give us the strength we need to serve him. 

David, "with his every deed offered thanks to God most high in words of praise."  We too can offer thanks to God throughout the day and praise Him even when what we are called to do is not easy.

"The Lord forgave David his sins and exalted his strength forever."  Perhaps we have never ordered someone to be murdered, like David, or committed adultery like David.  David repented of his sins because he loved God with his whole heart.  We too can be forgiven, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). As we approach the season of Lent (beginning March 6) perhaps we can make it to Confession and then, like David, we can praise God for His great goodness to us too.