Exploring the Word: The Second Book of Samuel (Weekly Fun Time)

The Warrior of the Light remembers a passage from John Bunyan:

‘Although I have been through all that I have, I do not regret the many hardships I met, because it was they who brought me to the place I wished to reach. Now all I have is this sword and I give it to whoever wishes to continue his pilgrimage. I carry with me the marks and scars of battles—they are the witnesses of what I suffered and the rewards o what I conquered.

These are the beloved marks and scars that will open the gates of Paradise to me. There was a time when I used to listen to tales of bravery. There was a time when I lived only because I needed to live. But now I live because I am a Warrior and because I wish one day to be in the company of Him for whom I have fought so hard.’ –Paulo Coehlo

• Weekly Fun Sheet for 12.10-12.14:

The Second Book of Samuel (cross reference text, pp. 131-140)

• Monday: in-class review (For Review, p. 130); 2 Samuel 5-7

• Tuesday: 2 Samuel 11-13

• Wednesday: 2 Samuel 14-17; complete review, p. 140 (10 pts)

• Thursday: celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation

• Friday: in-class review (For Review, p. 140); Film, The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell; blog?

Some things to consider:

Brothers,

We now enter into the Second Book of Samuel to read about and review David’s exploits (adventures) as the King of Israel.

As you read, continue to pay attention to themes (important and meaningful subject matter) related to the illusions and temptations of power. Though anointed by God to lead the Israelites, David and his family are still mere mortals, subject to corruption and evil like the rest of us.

That said, consider how God’s mercy works through David and how, despite the power of evil, good always seems to prevail in the end. Meanwhile, consider the root causes of evil as we read about them in the Second Book of Samuel.

Some themes to look for:

+ temptation

+ power

+ fear

+ corruption of good

+ forgiveness and mercy

+ loyalty to family