He said to his men,
"The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master,
the LORD's anointed, as to lay a hand on him,
for he is the LORD's anointed."
With these words David restrained his men
and would not permit them to attack Saul.
Warriors do not lack reverence for their enemies, as David demonstrates in today's reading from First Samuel. In many ways, this kind of piety is common sense.
First, the man who aspires to rule should not kill the ruler; it sets a very bad example which can only be copied by those who would follow him. President Biden must ponder that dilemma as his opponent faces criminal charges. The Republican party would impeach him simply because the Democrats impeached Trump, following the Republican impeachment of Bill Clinton, which was payback for the impeachment of Richard Nixon. David knew instinctively this was not the path to success.
But he was also following the practice of his faith which remembered that Abraham's descendants are sheltered under the aegis of the LORD. God will not permit the nations to invade, oppress, or destroy his people so long as they are holy as God is holy. As God's chosen king, Saul especially enjoyed that protection, at least from the devout David, if not from the Philistines. Armies and warriors with a basic sense of decency (or reverence) do not engage in senseless killing. Christian warriors who must defend their country do not kill indiscriminately.
The Church remembers the protection of God as she sends her missionaries throughout the world. They are sent to bring the Good News of Jesus; and may, like the martyrs of every age, encounter opposition. So long as they do not think of themselves or their habits as superior to the people they serve, they can expect to find welcome. The Lord who can raise a faithful people "from these very stones" will open hearts before them.
As Catholics in the United States, we too live in a foreign culture which has little sympathy for, and less knowledge of, the Gospel; but there are people eager to know the Lord and the truth we live by. Let's not be shy about our faith; we're here for a reason.
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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.