Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
1 Samuel 24:2-21 After years of being hunted out of malice and envy by King Saul, David and his men, justifiably, would have been more than ready to slaughter Saul and his men. In a bizarre incident, David’s gang is hiding out in the dark recesses of a cave when Saul comes alone to the mouth of the cave to defecate. Outer garments flung aside as he intently goes about his business, the King is easy prey. But David whose integrity, or righteousness, prevented him from harming God’s anointed, in silence held back his men’s ire and even chastised his own self for stealthily cutting off a corner of Saul’s mantle. Moving shame to gain, David used his trophy of the hunt to signal to the King and all present that forgiveness (that is giving fore-ward beyond all that is evil) gives life. Instead of spilling blood, David chose to protect life. Instead of ‘winning’ short term, David brokered repentance and reconciliation that restored friendship between the two men and supported peace and prosperity in Israel. When the battle is in my hands, will I repay evil with evil, or with good? Holy Spirit of God, guide me in your ways of forgiveness and life. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. (Psalm 57:1) Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr. www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2024
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