2 Sam 5:1-3; Ps 121(122); Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43
The Books of Samuel, Kings and Judges, tell of Israel’s history from when they entered Canaan about 1200 BC, up to their exile to Babylon in 587 BC. After the death of Saul, David became King of Judah. In today’s key reading David then becomes King of all Israel. He goes on to capture the 1,000 year-old city of Jerusalem, and makes it his capital. He then brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making it also Israel’s religious centre.
The Psalm celebrates arriving in Jerusalem, goal of pilgrims and seat of government.
The letter to the Colossians was written because they thought that angelic beings and other spiritual powers were either rivals to Christ or were needed to supplement Christ’s work. Paul says this detracts from the person of Jesus Christ, who possesses the totality of power needed to gain our freedom, “the forgiveness of sins”. The hymn praises Christ, who is the image of the unseen God. He existed before all things, which were created in him, and He is supreme over all creation. He has reconciled all things, the whole cosmos, by “the blood of the Cross”.
In Luke’s Gospel the crucified Jesus is recognised as King, both by the good thief and in the inscription written by Pilate, a Gentile.
Psalm Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to Go’s House.”
(2 Sam 5:1-3; Ps 121(122); Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43)