Whereas today’s gospel speaks about the Lord calling his first disciples, I invite you to focus on the relational matters that existed between David and King Saul that we have been reflecting on throughout the week. We have been hearing readings from the Book of Genesis specifically telling us about the complex dynamic that developed between David and King Saul.
In our first reading today, David who was a loyal servant to King Saul, is on the run because the King thinks David had become too popular and the King feared David would take over his Kingdom. The complex relationship was borne out of jealousy and insecurity around power. We heard today that David, who had suffered so much harassment and persecution by David, got an opportunity to get revenge and destroy King Saul, but he restrained himself.
What unfolds in today’s First Reading is a dynamic you have encountered or if you have not, one day you will encounter it! Jealousy and insecurity, especially around power, are a common dynamic in human relationships. It is part of the story of human brokenness. You will encounter it in associations, in workplaces, in the Church, in politics, in media, or in neighborhoods. People in the quiet recesses of their hearts keep asking themselves: Who is more popular here? Who is trying to take away my power or my position? Who do I need to keep an eye on in this game? Who do I need to get out of the way for me to find some peace and stability and advancement or success? That is the evil spirit that possessed King Saul and drove him to almost kill an innocent and faithful servant.
There are two key lessons I invite us to reflect on today:
First, whereas David was chosen by God as a future King, he avoided “the trap of the shortcut” to achieve his goals. He got an opportunity to destroy his adversary and assume the Kingship, but he restrained himself. In life we will always be presented with many “shortcuts” to achieve our ambitions and goals such as a job promotion or a victory, but David’s example cautions us about “shortcuts in life.” Employing worldly methods such as malice, manipulation, or character assassination to achieve our goals usually does not end well. Such achievements never last! We ask the Lord to teach us restraint, to teach us to wait on Him and His timing for any goals or longings we have in life.
Second, if we have ever been victims of anyone’s jealousy or insecurities especially, we need the grace to let God be the judge. When David faced harassment from his king, he let God be the judge! Is there anyone of us today who might be facing a “Saul” in their life? We are invited like David, to take the higher path of kindness, and magnanimity trusting that God sees our integrity and the purity of our hearts. It is better to let God vindicate us than us taking matters into our own hands!
We pray for the grace to learn to wait on God and His timing. We also pray for the grace to trust in God’s vindication especially in circumstances when we are faced with undeserved victimization. Amen.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Fred's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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