Most of us will be unfamiliar with this story from the Second Book of Kings. Jehosheba is not a name that we will easily recall. Nevertheless, she is another of those many brave women who influenced the history of Israel by doing what she could to ensure the safety of the young heir to the throne of David and a proper future for Israel. The mention of David's spears and shields connects the story of Jehoash with God's promise to David, which the Responsorial Psalm celebrates.

The line of David died out, but the story of the Annunciation to Mary in Luke's Gospel shows us how God fulfilled that promise in a different and quite extraordinary way: in Jesus of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God gave us a greater gift than that promised to David.

The troubled history of the kings of Israel reveals the importance of a fascinating and, for us, consoling idea: God never wanted a king in Israel, but nevertheless continued to accept Israel, who did want a king. So, too, with us: God is not pleased with us when we sin but God always accepts us, even if we sin.