Todays readings present us with four very interesting people. David, Shimei and Abishai are outgoing characters, vividly presented by the writer. They have their good points and their not so good points. Shimei was a blunt fellow and was not afraid to air his grievance even against an important man. It would be difficult to satisfy him in court or elsewhere. If he could be won over to a good cause, however, he would be a very usefully.

Abishai was just as blunt as Shimei. He was loyal to his boss and believed in direct, decisive action. He may not have had much inclination towards reflection. David, however, knew how to handle him and how to get the best out of him.

David himself had his strengths and his quite serious weaknesses. He was open to change, though, and capable of repentance because he was generous and big-hearted. Despite his failings he played a very important part in the coming of God's kingdom among us.

The man cured by Jesus was an honest, simple person. In the great calm which descended upon him after his deliverance from possession he was overwhelmed with gratitude. And Jesus saw him as one who could do a very good job of preparing his own non-Jewish people for the "Good News".