Daily Retreat 01/21/06

2006 Jan 21 Sat: Agnes, v, mt M

2 Sm 1: 1-4. 11-12. 19. 23-27/ Mk 3: 20-21

From today’s readings: "Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen!.. Let us see Your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.... Jesus came with His disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat.."

Merciful and Magnanimous in Life and Death

Yesterday, the first reading recounted an example of David’s extraordinary mercy toward Saul while he yet lived; today, the focus is on David’s heartfelt grief in the face of the death of Saul and Jonathan. A lesser man would have welcomed the report as good news (as the messenger had expected of David!), breathing a sigh of relief to be completely free from Saul’s fitful jealousy, while also hyperventilating at the prospect of succeeding him as king!

Yet David responds not just with his lamenting, but also recalling for himself and others the more noble deeds of Saul and Jonathan, refusing to solicit pity, from himself or others, by dwelling on bitter memories of Saul’s jealousy and persecution.

Perhaps you and I can be inspired to treat those who have died (even our enemies!) with such clemency, explicitly offering our forgiveness for past wrongs, thanking God for all associated blessings, and praying for the eternal rest of their souls!