Each of the synoptic Gospels tells us of Jesus’ choice of the Twelve and names them all. They have become known as apostles, a word that means “one who is sent.”
When Jesus sent the Twelve to preach, he shows them just how high they stand in his regard because he gives them power over unclean spirits. While Middle Eastern culture considers the spirit world to be in control of human destiny, by giving the apostles the power to expel them, Jesus states that human beings have control of their own destiny.
The first reading today tells us a rather lengthy story of how David spared Saul’s life even though Saul was seeking to kill David. In a different way, the story teaches us the same lesson as the Gospel. David has control of his own destiny and submits his life to God’s power. Saul is so surprised by David’s actions that he relents in his efforts to kill David and realizes that God has chosen David to be the king. Saul has disobeyed God’s commandments and is therefore destined to be replaced. When he realizes this, he shows that he can choose to be just as merciful to David as David was to him.
All mercy originates in God. Only through God and God’s grace are we able to be merciful and forgiving. Though Saul was headed down a path of destruction, he relents and repents of his past misdeeds. Though he lost his throne, God, the fountain of mercy, will show him mercy in the end.
Let us pray for all those who specifically need our mercy and forgiveness. As we celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, may mercy and forgiveness fill us completely so that we too may know the Lord’s mercy and compassion.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator