Greetings on this the Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19
Summary
He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (Mk 3:13, 2 Cor 5:19).
Reflection
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15)
In our first reading today, David is given the task (and he did it very well) of constraining his desire for revenge. If we try and place ourselves into his place and the situation he found himself in, I wonder if we would have the same restraint?
[I] did not kill you,
see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion.
I have done you no wrong,
though you are hunting me down to take my life.
The LORD will judge between me and you,
and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case.
I shall not touch you.
(1 Sam 24:12bc-13)
David specifically calls out what he will not be enticed to do: As the old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes wickedness.’ Thus I will not lay a hand on you. (1 Sam 24:14).
While David mastered what Cain could not, the greater anointing is to come.
In our gospel portion today, a far greater calling, anointing, a summons – into the salvific plans of the Lord.
That they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15).
Personal Reflection
Let us be with him, be sent forth by him to reconcile, preach with word and deed and drive out, in our own analogous way, the demons of fear, revenge, and domination that distort human life.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry