This week’s readings reveal captivating palace intrigue in the houses of Saul and David. Battles, miraculous victories, jealousy, betrayal, and murderous thoughts are woven throughout their relationship. One can only begin to imagine the rumor mill of the day! As captivating as this story was (and still is), the underlying current of God’s mercy and love is the real message. David was presented with many struggles and in the end he chose mercy and love over anger and murder. God, in turn, was faithful to David.
Choosing Mercy and Love
Can you imagine for a moment what would have happened if David did indeed choose against mercy and love? If he would have killed Saul in that cave? It seemed David had every “right” to kill Saul. After all, Saul was hunting David down with the aid of three thousand men! Yet, David surrendered to mercy and love and in doing so David’s heart become more united with the heart of God. In the end David even bowed to Saul and paid him homage. Now that’s real kingly strength. We are called to do the same in the face of adversity, no matter how big or how small. We are called into humility, mercy, strength, and love – like our King Jesus Christ.
Like David we are also chosen for a special role in God’s Kingdom. It’s true that we will likely not become an earthly king (or queen) like David. I for one am thankful for this – what a weight to carry! However, we are sons and daughters of the one true King – our Triune God. A gift given to us through Christ Jesus.
Revealing Mercy and Love
Given our royal status as God’s children what we say and do matters. Christianity is in full view on the world stage for all to see. Let’s give everyone a great show of mercy and love. Maybe we can start the show by offering mercy and love to our fellow Christians – Catholic and non-Catholic Christians alike.
God blessed David many times during his lifetime and God desires to bless us too. God doesn’t want to hold anything back from his children – not his mercy, love, or any spiritual gift he has for us. However, we must orientate our hearts toward God before we can receive such blessings. There is only one way we can do this – through Love – through Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ Way
Jesus also calls his followers into battle. In our Gospel reading today we see Jesus pulling together his warriors – the Apostles. We know the palace intrigue that followed – battles, miraculous victories, jealousy, betrayal, and murder itself. Yet, this battle is different than the battles of Saul and David’s isn’t it.
Jesus’ battle reaches beyond the earthly realm and into the spiritual realm where principalities and powers can wreak havoc. For this battle different weapons are required, weapons Jesus encourages us to take up every day – mercy and love. As Christians we are called to use them to the fullest.
Choosing mercy and love requires true strength. After all, it is easy to give way to anger or revenge – a false sense of power arises within our human heart when we do. However, our true strength as Christians manifests through us when we follow Christ into battle – using his weapons of mercy and love. Mercy flows through forgiveness and love expands when we look at others through the lenses of compassion and understanding. When we do these things everything changes in our hearts.
Prayer Intentions
I want to thank everyone who shares their prayer intention here – I have been praying for all of you and holding you in my heart. I know our little prayer community is together in spirit praying inside the comfort and beauty of Christ.
Let’s continue to pray together for our leaders, praying that they become holy leaders, seeking the aid and counsel of the one true King. And let’s continue to pray for all who struggle with oppression, addictions, and brokenheartedness, asking God that they may find Christ through their struggles.
If you would like me to pray for you this upcoming week please leave your prayer request below or email me privately. Also, I invite you to join with me in prayer for all of the intentions shared here.
Chloe
That picture up there is my loving dog Chloe. This week we had to say goodbye to our sweet baby as she passed away. Chloe was part of our family for 15 wonderful years. Our relationship with her was filled with love and companionship. Chloe was with us during the hard times, offering comfort and love. She was also there for the good times too, sharing in our family joy. Today my heart is hurting deeply and I miss her dearly. Our house feels so empty without her. If you have ever loved and lost a pet then I know you understand. They are true gifts from God.
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
― Francis of Assisi
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Father God – consume us.
Holy Spirit – enter into us.
Blessed Virgin Mary – pray for us.
