Celebrating the presence of God

      They brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the LORD. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes. [2^nd Samuel 6:17-19 NRSV]

      Today’s reading from the second book of Samuel is about a single event in time. It is sharing with us a story of how gratitude overwhelmed a powerful man to the point that he was moved to do some very special things within his community. David, the King of Israel, had the Ark of the Covenant transported to his capital city. King David had set-up a special tent so that the LORD could be sheltered within his community. King David had made offerings before the LORD, and he had also presented offerings to all of the people of Israel - he made sure that each man and woman received bread, meat, and fruit. This was to be a day of true celebration for all of the people of Israel; for the LORD was to have a safe home within the city of King David.
      To say thank you to God does not genuinely require the wealth of a King. The reality is that it really only requires truth, understanding, and respect. Each one of us should spend a little time now and again in real contemplation about what it is that the LORD requires of us. I can remember that once my grandfather shared with me the idea that no one can ever "repay" God for all that they have received. He told me that the truth was that God expects each and everyone of us to share with all of our brothers and sisters. He also shared that the real challenge comes when we are asked to share with those who are "not like us."

      How often have we celebrated the presence of God within our own community? How often have we taken the time to thank God for all that we have been given? When was the last time that we made sure that everyone within our community had enough food to truly celebrate the presence of God? How are we being challenged to reach out to those who are "not like us"?