You might see the root in the READING FOR TODAY the need for and experience of discernment. This is the situation King David was forced to encounter on his personal journey.
David had decided in his heart that he would lead the construction of a temple for Yahweh. It is clear he had grand plans that were his plans. God, however, had other plans for his chosen one. David had to come to the awareness that his vocation was to begin the Davidic family so that his God could establish a people, a royal line of leaders who would eventually result in the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
So what can these readings offer us? Let's begin with the awarenss that a part of any journey is to STOP when "my plans" encounter a blocking. We must not forget that blockings can be positive as well as negative. There will be others, usually friends or advisors whose advice and guidance we seek, who may try to redirect our thinking, our planning. Quite easily we might perceive our newly found "advice" to be more delaying or interfering to "my plans."
Again, the readings' message is simple: always be on the lookout to determine when and where God is speaking to us when we encounter what we perceive as opposition. This demands great humility, great openness to the unknown. Being open to change requires an honest evaluation of one;s self that comes through prayer and reflection on the information or suggestions given to us.
We may not be called like David was to make drastic changes to plans that actually had become personal wants perhaps to fulfill deep-seated desires for recognition. Discernment is very much the fuel of a good spiritual life. If we take the time to hear God's voice whispering in our hearts, if we are strong enough to set aside our own designs when we sense God's calling us to new directions --- if we follow these prompting especially through prayer and listening --- then we will find a much happier heart that gives our lives great peace and satisfaction --- the joy of knowing that we are doing the will of God.
