The Dying Words of King David

Homily for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

In the first reading, David stands at the threshold of death and speaks to Solomon with the clarity that only a life nearing its end can bring. He doesn’t give his son military strategies or political advice. He gives him something far more essential: “Keep the charge of the Lord your God… walk in His ways.” David knows that a kingdom built on anything less than fidelity to God will eventually crumble. Strength, wisdom, and success all flow from a heart anchored in God’s commandments.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the Twelve with almost nothing—no bread, no bag, no money. Their strength will not come from what they carry but from the One who sends them. Like Solomon, they are being entrusted with a mission that can only succeed if they remain rooted in God. Their authority to heal, to preach, to cast out demons is not their own; it is God working through them.

Both readings remind us that the real foundation of a faithful life is trustful obedience. David tells Solomon to walk in God’s ways. Jesus tells the disciples to travel light so they can rely on God’s providence. The message is the same: God is enough.

And that’s the challenge for us. We often cling to our own plans, our own resources, our own sense of control. But the Scriptures invite us to loosen our grip. To travel lighter. To trust deeper. To let God’s word guide our choices and God’s strength carry our mission.

May we, like Solomon, receive the wisdom to walk in God’s ways. And may we, like the apostles, go forth with courage, knowing that when we rely on God, we lack nothing.