Read 2 Sam. 1:1-4,11-12,17,19,23-27, Ps. 80:2-3,5-7, Mark 3:20-21
“The crowd came together again so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for people were saying, ‘He is beside himself.’” (Mark 3:20-21)
Somehow, our readings this week have shed light on the virtue of trust. At the Wedding Feast at Cana, Jesus worked his first miracle on the insistence of Mary who trusted deeply in His ability to save the couple from disgrace. Even the servants who filled those jars with water obeyed Jesus’ instruction on trust.
We saw the virtue of trust playing out in the story of Samuel, Saul, and David. Saul did not obey God’s instruction because of his lack of trust. Samuel trusted God for his protection and went ahead to anoint David a king even when Saul was still alive. David trusted God by refusing to kill Saul when he had the opportunity.
Today, the sad news of Saul’s death is brought to David and when everyone expected that David would rejoice over the death of an enemy, David went into mourning and lamentation. David’s attitude to Saul becomes for us a template on how best to treat our enemies.
No matter how bad people are to us, we should never wish them evil or rejoice over their downfall. In David, we see a passion for the redemption of Saul. This is the same type of passion we see in Jesus Christ. A passion for sinners and for their salvation to the extent that he had no time even to eat.
What is your attitude to your enemies? Do you have a passion for their repentance and salvation? Or do you simply wish they would die and leave you in peace? Honestly, the reason why we wish evil for our enemies is that we do not trust God enough. When we sincerely trust God, we would have no reason to fear what man can do to us. When we trust God enough, we would have no reason to wish for the death of our enemies because we know that no matter how they may threaten us, they are not stronger than God.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to trust more and live entirely for you. From this day, I promise to pray and wish well for my enemies. I repent of all negativity, hatred, and bad feelings towards them as a result of my fear. Teach me to trust you completely. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 2 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Sam. 1:1-4,11-12,17,19,23-27, Ps. 80:2-3,5-7, Mark 3:20-21).