Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
In today's first reading, we hear of the developing rivalry between Saul and David.
Traditionally we call the former King Saul, but he had neither a capital nor a kingdom. He was a warlord who had gathered enough rogues, malcontents, and warriors to resist the Philistine overlords; his claim to kingship rested on Samuel's reluctant anointing of him. With God's help, this promising sign might be fulfilled. David was Saul's most successful lieutenant and some of the warriors showed a worrisome preference for him.
Trouble erupted when "women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
A similar trouble is erupting around Jesus, as we learn in Mark, chapter 3:
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea.
In both cases, the faithful who read the scriptures see the obvious. God is directing events and some even among the elect cannot get with the program.
When we speak of the revelation of God's purposes, we do well to speak of the Holy Spirit. Although the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit act with one will -- indeed they are of one will -- we experience God's immediate presence in our hearts as the Holy Spirit.
I think of Saint Francis of Assisi. It never occurred to him to challenge kings, bishops, the pope and the entire Church. Nor did he suppose, as he hid from his father in a muddy cave, that he might become the most influential man of the second millennium. But he prayed intensely for divine guidance and the Spirit of God took hold of his willingness.
We should notice the difference between Saul and David. Although both were powerful warriors, capable commanders and charismatic leaders, Saul would not admit he had sinned against the Lord when Samuel rebuked him. When the prophet Nathan rebuked David for a worse sin of murdering a loyal soldier and taking his wife, the shepherd king immediately admitted his guilt and begged for forgiveness. (Psalm 51)
Those who ask the Holy Spirit to guide them through the complex and often vicious challenges of our time, must learn from David. We admit we have done wrong; we confess our sins; we atone; and amend our ways. By so doing, we discover the willing Spirit to take up our crosses each day and follow in his steps.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.