Our reading through the historical books of Samuel allow us to consider the significance of some of the powerful biblical events. Today we hear of young King David, presiding over the Ark of the Covenant finally making its way to Jerusalem. The ark certainly has had a long journey.
The Ark of the Covenant, remember was constructed at Sinai using the pattern given by God to Moses. The Ark guided Israel’s 40 year journey through the wilderness. Upon reaching the edge of the promised land, under the leadership of Joshua the Israelites carried the Ark with them, and the Jordan River split allowing passage into the land of Canaan.
In the Battle of Jericho, the Israelites’ first battle in the conquest of Canaan, they carried the Ark and marched around the city for days with armed men and the seven priests sounding the seven trumpets. On the seventh day, the wall of Jericho fell and the Israelites took over the city. After the conquest, Joshua set up the Ark, together with the tabernacle, in Shiloh. The Ark remained in Shiloh until the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines during the time of Eli.
When the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines, they took the Ark to Eben-ezer hoping to win the next battle. However they were defeated again, and the Ark was captured by the Philistines. In Shiloh, the High Priest Eli fell dead upon hearing the news of the Ark’s capture.
The Philistines brought the Ark with them to their capital city, Ashdod and put it in the temple of their idol god Dagon. However, on the next day, the gigantic statue of Dagon fell to the ground. The same thing happened again the following day. When the city began to suffer plague due to the ark’s presence there the Ark was moved to the city of Gath and then Ekron, but the plagues continued.
After keeping the Ark for seven months, the Philistines decided to return it to the Israelites together with offerings of expensive gifts upon the advice of their diviners and priests. The Ark is transported to Kiryat Yearim, where it stayed during the reign of King Saul for twenty years, and was pretty much neglected.
The story of the Ark coming to Jerusalem is reminiscent of the souls journey to God. At times we follow God’s plans and allow ourselves to be guided by God. At times we presume that our will corresponds with God’s will and we suffer defeat, the consequences of our presumption, and sin, and idolatry--from our perspective there is separation from God. But God is at work to topple our idols and to be reestablished in our hearts where he can receive the honor and worship he desires and deserves, which brings us the joy that truly gladdens our hearts.
Through God’s help, may we remain with Him, and like David learn to dance for joy in his presence, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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To God the Father Almighty we direct the prayers of our heart for the needs and salvation of humanity and the good of His faithful ones.
For the holy Church of God, that the Lord may graciously watch over her and care for her.
For the peoples of the world, that the Lord may graciously preserve harmony among them.
For all who are oppressed by any kind of need, that the Lord may graciously grant them relief.
For ourselves and our own community, that the Lord may graciously receive us as a sacrifice acceptable to himself.
For our beloved dead, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for X, for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.
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