Readings: 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)
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. No matter how bad people are to us, we should never wish them evil or rejoice over their downfall. David mourned Saul and Jonathan as if they were his own family, even though Saul had wanted to kill him.
The question is, “Where was David when Saul and Jonathan were slain in battle?” David was in Ziklag (a Philistine-controlled territory) after recently defeating the Amalekites. David was not fighting alongside Saul because Saul had banished him and was living as a fugitive among the Philistines, acting as a vassal to King Achish of Gath to escape Saul’s pursuit.
What does this teach us? To borrow Jesus’s words, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” (Mark 3:24-25). If Saul had listened to Jonathan’s advice and accepted David as his ally, rather than trying to kill him, David would have protected Saul and Jonathan. A divided house can never stand. Learn to work even with people you don’t like for the good of the entire team. We may not like each other, but we all need each other.
Do not repeat Saul’s mistake. As a leader, learn to humble yourself and work with people who are brighter, wiser, stronger or even more prosperous than you. Celebrate others doing better than you are, learn from them, and give them the respect they deserve, even if they are younger than you. Don’t be insecure; pulling others down will not keep you at the top forever. If God has put you at the top, trust God to sustain you; avoid dirty politics.
Some might argue that Saul was fighting David so that Jonathan, his son, would become the next king. Every parent desires the best for their children and is ready to do anything to protect them. However, this story should teach us that fighting other people’s children is not the best way to protect our own. Your attempt to pull others down out of personal vendetta destroys not only you but also those you love.
As David mourned Saul, his enemy, in today’s first reading, Jesus, in today’s Gospel passage, commits himself entirely to the mission of saving sinners (God’s enemies). In Romans 5:10, St. Paul writes, “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.”
What is your attitude to your enemies? Do you have a passion for their repentance and salvation? Or do you wish they would die and leave you in peace? David would have thrown a party upon hearing of Saul’s death. Jesus would have folded his hands, saying, “What is my business if the world perishes?” Our enemies deserve whatever evil comes their way, but, as Christians, we are called to do everything possible to save them.
Jesus gave himself entirely to the mission, to the point that his friends thought he was out of his mind. As a minister, be inspired by Jesus’ dedication; you have not been called to a life of enjoyment but a life of service. Jesus had no time to eat. The priesthood (and religious life) is a 24-hour job. You must love people. It should never be about what you get but about how many lives you touch for good.
On this note, we remember St. Francis de Sales. He was born on 21 August 1567 in the Kingdom of Savoy near Geneva, Switzerland. Coming from a noble family, he was expected to follow a legal career to satisfy his father, but his true passion was to serve God. Even after earning a doctorate in law, his strong faith drove him to secretly study theology. Francis had a significant spiritual moment when he fell off his horse three times, and each time his sword and scabbard arranged themselves into a cross on the ground. This experience solidified his calling, and he persuaded his father to allow him to become a priest in 1593.
In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva, where he was admired for his kindness and accessibility. He firmly believed in the ‘universal call to holiness,’ teaching that every Christian, regardless of their life path, is called to live a holy life. His influential book, “Introduction to the Devout Life” (1608), was written for laypeople and was pioneering in showing that one could seek holiness in everyday activities. Francis emphasised a passionate and personal relationship with God’s love, encouraging regular meditation and prayer.
He passed away on 28 December 1622, leaving behind a legacy of humility and deep devotion. He was beatified in 1661 and canonised in 1665. St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of Catholic writers, the deaf, journalists, and various religious communities.
Let us pray: O God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbour. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 2 Sam. 1:1-4,11-12,17,19,23-27, Ps. 80:2-3,5-7, Mark 3:20-21)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu