This past week we have been hearing at mass about David's relationships with Jonathan and Saul. Such reverence! Such tenderness! The friendship with Jonathan culminates at the later's death when David announces he loved this friend more than he loves women. From David that is saying a lot! But even more touching is his loyalty to Saul, who in his jealousy had been seeking to kill David. We are told earlier in the week that Saul goes into a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David is hiding in that very spot. Saul is entirely vulnerable and defenseless. David considers taking advantage but then sternly renounces the temptation. He zealously affirms his reverence for his Lord. What is more implied than stated is: his tenderness to this aging king in his weakness and vulnerability. It is hard to imagine a more powerless posture. David could easily kill the one who is pursuing him. But he instead surrenders to tender mercy and deep reverence...for the very one seeking to kill him. Then in today's reading, learning of Saul's death, David grieves passionately and sincerely, oblivious of the threat Saul had been to him.
This reading touched me. It brought to mind Pope Francis and Cardinal Tobin, my own Church superiors whom I perceive as persecuting things that are precious to me. I do of course respect them for their office; but I entirely lack the heartfelt filial tenderness and reverence that David demonstrates. This reading is a call to me to repent of coldness, resentment, argumentation...into reverence for their sacred identity and tenderness for them in their own personal weakness.
David is, of course, by far the greatest king of Israel. We hear repeatedly of Jesus as "son of David" and we imagine him as victorious, heroic, messianic King. But we see here that David's royal dignity is rooted in a prior filial love and loyalty to his own King who was himself envious and vicious.
May we today emulate David in his humility, affection and loyalty. And so enter into our own regal dignity!
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