Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

The Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians
begins today

Lectionary: 314

Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought:
“They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me.
All that remains for him is the kingship.”
And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David.

We can suppose that Saul's hostility toward David began even before he heard the village girls idolizing the handsome young hero. Saul had not stepped forward to face the Philistine warrior Goliath. Had he done so, he would have worn his full armor; he would have carried more than a shepherd's sling and a handful of pebbles. He might not have charged the giant as David did, nor would he have shouted, 

“You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have insulted.... 

"All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle belongs to the LORD, who shall deliver you into our hands."

Saul would have boasted like Goliath of his coming triumph. Despite Samuel's anointing, Saul did not rely on God when he faced a massive threat. Like many future kings of Israel, he trusted his own intelligence and the resources at hand when his authority was challenged or his people threatened. Prayer was his last resort, if and when all else fails.

Abandoned by God's spirit because of his infidelity, the tragic king was possessed by a jealous spirit. He had to guard his leadership rather than share it with his very capable lieutenant.  He would not thank God for raising up a champion from among his farmer-soldiers to defend the chosen people. 

I have found a simple cure for jealousy and envy. (There is a difference, by the way: jealousy concerns what I have and fear losing; envy is what I don't have but others do. Saul was jealous of his authority and feared David's taking it from him. He envied the hero-worship the nubile maidens gave to David.) 

When we're afflicted with either jealousy or envy, we should direct our gaze upon the Virgin Mary. The Lord selected this flower of her race to be immaculately conceived. That is, from the moment of her conception she was without sin; and she lived her entire life with all its disappointments, heartaches, fears, and threats, without a moment of doubt in God's merciful authority. She believed in God; she felt his presence; she relied on his Spirit; she let her heart, soul, mind, and strength be directed by obedience to the Lord at every moment of her life.

This was obviously a singular grace; only her Son was more blessed. (Infinitely more blessed as the Only Begotten Son of God!) 

As we contemplate the gift of Immaculate Conception, and remember her blessedness as the Lord's mother, we can admire her and sing her praises. Like her kinswoman Elizabeth we can say, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." 

We should remember that Immaculate Conception was God's gift to the Earth and all its peoples, and its purpose was to create a worthy vessel for the birth of God's Son. And we should remember how dearly this woman paid for the privilege. 

Who would envy the privilege of seeing one's son shunned by heaven and despised by earth as he dies on a cross? If I faced a similar trial would I pray with the young champion, "Father, forgive them?" 

Contemplating Our Lady of Sorrows, no one would envy her privilege. But we can share her grace when we say to her, "You are most blessed among all women!" 

We can thank God for giving us such a mother and say with Elizabeth, "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

We can readily obey the Angel's command to Joseph, "Do not be afraid to take Mary into your home!" for we have heard Our Savior's last word, "Behold your Mother!" 

Jealousy and envy flee like a routed Philistine army before the image of Mary. They leave us chastened and grateful that God has triumphed again, and set us free.