January 29, 2004, Monday of the fourth week in ordinary time.

A reading from the second book of Samuel.

An informant came to David with the report,

The children of Israel have transferred their loyalty to Absalom.

At this, David said to all his servants

who were with him in Jerusalem,

Up, let us take flight,

or none of us will escape from Absalom.

Leave quickly, lest he hurry and overtake us.

Then visit disaster upon us and put the city to the sword.

As David went up the Mount of Olives, he wept without ceasing.

His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.

All those who were with him also had their heads covered and were weeping as they went.

As David was approaching Bahurim, a man named Shimeai, the son of Zira, of the same clan as Saul's family was coming

out of the place, cursing as he came. He threw stones at David and at all the king's officers, even though all

the soldiers, including the Royal Guard, were on David's right and on his left. Shimei was saying as he

cursed, away, away, you murderous and wicked man, the Lord has requited you for all the bloodshed in the family of

Saul, in whose stead you became king, and the Lord has given over the kingdom to your son, Absalom.

And now you suffer ruin, because you are a murderer. Abashai, son of Zeroyah, said to the king,

Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, please, and lop off his head.

But the king replied,

What business is it of mine or of yours, sons of Zeroyah, that he curses?

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