Breaking the Word

2^nd Week of Ordinary Time, Friday – 19^th January 2024 — 1 Samuel 24,2-20; Mark 3,13-19

Leadership is Showing the Other Way

The first reading narrates David’s relationship, respect and mercy with Saul. As Saul is searching for David with the intention of killing him, Saul comes within the reach of David. David’s soldiers see this as a sign that David should kill Saul and take the throne that God has promised to David. David respects Saul as the one who was anointed king and does not harm him. Instead of killing Saul, David leaves the judgement of the wicked king to God, knowing that God will exact justice. David points out that he took pity on Saul. In a certain sense, sparing the life of Saul in the cave was a greater victory for David than his victory over Goliath. David’s victory in the case of Saul is not attained through weapons and bloodshed, but by putting his anger to death and practicing mercy. Wickedness is never the right path. Saul is moved to tears when he learns that David spared his life. He realizes that he has been wrong to pursue David and that God is truly calling David to be the next king of the Israelites. David has shown that he will be a good king, who is capable of mercy. David is not perfect. He knows this and many times throughout his reign we will see him entrust himself to the Lord’s mercy and beg for forgiveness.

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 18^th January 2024 — Gospel: Mark 3,7-12

Jealousy and Integrity in the Same Blood

In the first reading, we find David and Saul return after the great victory over Goliath, and David is taken to the palace. The women came out from all the cities singing and dancing and comparing both of their victories in numbers. This throws Saul into a jealous rage. King Saul doesn’t appreciate David for his great victory. The deepest desires of Saul’s wicked heart become clear in today’s reading. He discusses his intention of killing David with his son, Jonathan. Instead, Jonathan intercedes on David’s behalf because David developed friendship with Jonathan when he was in the court. Saul, then, is very much like King Herod, who did anything – including killing the members of his own family – to protect his kingship. Saul actually intended to kill David many times. Jealousy is a reaction to the position or possessions of someone else. It can stem from a feeling of being threatened by another person’s success. It is closely linked with one’s own insecurity and difficulty in accepting what one is. However, Jonathan’s behaviour is different here. He could have considered that David is a threat to his own expectations of succeeding his father. But Jonathan’s behaviour is both an indication of his integrity and love and respect for David. He told David about his father’s intentions and later boldly spoke to Saul on behalf of David. After all, David had done so much to protect Saul and the people by his exploits. Saul was won over and swore not to kill David, who was reinstated fully. However, Saul had made oaths in the past and not kept them.