1 Samuel 24:3-21
Mark 3:13-19
In today’s first reading, from the Book of Samuel, we have the declining saga of the of King Saul and the ascendency of King David. Saul wants to kill David even though David had kill Israel mortal enemy -Goliath and the Philistines.
Saul saw David as a rival and wanted to eliminate him and with a mighty Army went in search of David to kill him. He got tired and decided to rest in a cave. This was the same cave David was hiding together with his men. David finds Saul at his most vulnerable moment and could have easily killed him, but he decides not to do this, not to give in to his baser desires. David’s restraint from violence and letting Saul live is a path to peace and reconciliation between the two anointed ones. Saul is moved with gratitude and asks for forgiveness from David. David went on his way knowing fully well who Saul is and we later heard that King Saul and Johnathan were killed in battle. It is God’s will that will ultimately be done and it is his love that overcomes evil.
Speaking of God’s anointed ones. in today’s Gospel of Mark Jesus went about doing good, healing the sick and casting out demons. The ministry was growing and he decided to select twelve apostles. He chooses them to carry out his ministry; to forgive sins, pardon offenses, express the love of Christ to others .etc. Like the apostles, we are called and appointed to preach the gospel of love, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace through our words and actions. We are called to lead one another to a deeper relationship with God . We are the hands and feet of Christ in the world today. What actions of love, peace, and forgiveness will you offer today?
Fr Joseph Osho