Today is the feast of Saint Francis de Sales who was a Doctor of the Church and a patron of writers and journalists. Just like David assassins tried to kill Saint Francis during the Protestant Reformation. One of the things I noticed in reading about him was that he was quiet and soft spoken. He was a force for reconciliation in his time.
Lets take a look at why King Saul took a thousand men to hunt David and kill him. What motivated Saul?
Just like King Herod who killed the Holy Innocents, Saul was afraid that David would take his crown as King. Saul would loose power. He was not interested in what God wanted.
Saul wanted to be god.
David on the other hand was interested in what God wanted. The mantle that David took a piece off was a symbol of the king’s authority. The fact that it became shorter was a symbol that he was loosing his authority. David on the other hand was interested in what God wanted. God’s will was important in his life and Saul was anointed. David could not go against the will of God.
Why are we like Saul?
I am sometimes like Saul. I loose my relationship with God and want to do things my way. Just like Saul it is lost gradually over time. That is why it is so important to humble ourselves and examine our conscience every day.
Saul said, and now, I know that you shall be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession.
Saul initially learned his lesson. His story is not over.
David knew that his time was not yet ready. David bowed down to King Saul who was the anointed King. That line of authority started with Saul, then David and our present King in that line is Jesus Christ.He is our everlasting King.
The Gospel acclimation says God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. If that is not a mission statement for all of us, then I never heard one.
God Bless you always
Bob Burford
Prayer: In light of the feast of Saint Francis de Sales please pray for all the contributors to the website for “A Catholic Moment”. Saint Francis was a message of reconciliation and hopefully that is ours.
