Homily for Thursday, Week 4 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
4th Week of Ordinary Time

Feb. 5, 2026
1 Kings 2: 1-4, 10-12
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

David, by Nicolas Cordier
(St. Mary Major, Rome)

“When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave [his] instructions to his son Solomon” (1 Kgs 2: 1).

David has been completely rehabilitated before the Lord in spite of his sins and the blood he shed over the years.  His youngest son, the favorite of his old age, will succeed him.  But even so great a servant of the Lord as he must “rest with his ancestors” (2:10).  He’s wise enuf to prepare for inevitable death, and he meets it calmly.

His instructions to Solomon are twofold.  We heard the 1st set; the reading skipped the political set about dealing with his enemies so as to secure the throne, and our future readings will pass over how Solomon did so.

The 1st part of David’s advice reminds his son to be faithful to the Lord, and the Lord will be faithful to him.  David does as Moses and Joshua had done in years past.  His assurance to Solomon, tho, is conditional:  “If your sons so conduct themselves…” (2:4).  The sacred historian knew that many of Judah’s kings—even Solomon himself—wouldn’t be fully faithful, David’s kingdom would soon be divided, and the part ruled by his dynasty would end in disaster.

Yet God was—is—faithful; the Son of David, Jesus of Nazareth, would prove most faithful and would be given sovereignty over not only Israel but all the nations, greater than David could have dreamed.  We are witnesses to Jesus’ faithfulness and God’s fidelity.

David’s instructions remind Solomon and all rulers—God’s word is permanent—that they are subject to God’s rule; to God’s conditions, if you will.  Our Baptism into Christ has made us kings, as well, members of his royal family.  If we’re faithful to God’s covenant with us, he’ll protect us and preserve us for his eternal kingdom, “from eternity to eternity” (1 Chron 29:10).