A controversial psychologist from the University of Toronto, Dr. Jordan Peterson, once made an interesting remark about the character of Homer Simpson from the American animated sitcom The Simpsons. In one of the Simpsons’ episodes, it is Christmas. Homer and Marge are going to buy some Christmas presents but Homer does not get his Christmas bonus. He is absolutely crushed. There is nothing new about this episode because it is the recurring theme in the Simpsons where Homer loses his job or does not make enough money. However, Jordan Peterson tries to deconstruct Homer Simpson’s story by arguing that even though it is true that Homer is useless or a fool of a guy, he is still oriented toward his family. Foolish as he is, Homer decides to bear responsibility, so that he is not a complete fool but rather a holy fool. He suffers dreadfully because of the consequences of not being able to fulfill his responsibility as a father.
In the first reading today, we hear how David tries to take responsibility for his crime. He does not blame anyone for his misdeed, but he admits that he has sinned against the Lord God. David also takes the responsibility by accepting God’s punishment that God will raise up trouble from David’s own house as the sword will not depart from David’s house. Moreover, the child born to Bathsheba will die. Here, David’s behavior is puzzling. While the child is sick and dying, he lays on the ground, fasts and weeps. David is hoping that God may be gracious and spare his child. He is quite optimistic that with his prayer God may change the verdict and keep his child alive. While he knew that the child will die as the punishment for David’s sin, he tries to persuade God to change His mind. When the child finally dies, David knows that his petition has been denied and so he moves on with his life. David not only tries to be responsible for his actions, but he is also a responsible father as he tries to spare his child’s life. David is indeed a terrible adulterer, nevertheless, he also demonstrates piety, resilience, and responsibility.
As you hear the story again, listen carefully to what God says to David via the prophet Nathan. What does God want to say to you? Is there any area of your life where God wants to call you to responsibility like David? Can you be optimistic like David that God may change his verdict upon your life? Talk to God about your hope and what signs you would recognize should this hope be fulfilled. Ask also for the grace to be responsible for all of your actions.