Do Not Repay Evil with Evil
David had Saul in his grasp and could have easily dispatched him. However, David acknowledges that Saul was originally chosen by the Lord. Then it must be God who deals with Saul. In this story we see Saul sinking into emotional problems and paranoia. Mental illness destroys many families. Often, we just do not know how to manage. David respects his king even if he is fearful for his life. He gives Saul the dignity of being the chosen of God. All of us are chosen by God and are due that same dignity and respect. I think that is an attitude we should all accept: we are all chosen by God.
The gospel introduces us to the chosen apostles. Jesus did not choose a team that all agreed with Him or with each other. Matthew worked for the Romans as a tax collector. Simon the Zealot was so radical that he professed overthrowing the Roman government, even by force. So, you are going to put these two together in the same room? Does not sound reasonable or rational. How did Jesus do it?
Look at the context of Jesus’ teaching over the course of His three-year ministry. Did you notice He never took sides? One political party over another held no interest for Jesus. Rather, the mission, His ministry was most important. This is what He trained the apostles to do. Take the gospel out into the world baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. If we all focused on the God given ministry rather than on earthly issues or political parties or personal gain, perhaps then we can start to work together for unity among all Christians.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen