1 Samuel 24 : 3-21
Mark 3 : 13-19
We have heard stories of how some people had left the church or had become disillusioned about the faith because of some unpleasant encounters or conflicts in the church.
It may be with the clergy or with other members of the church.
Whatever it may be, such situations always leave behind a sour feeling and can develop into hurt and resentment.
We can understand how David felt when we read about what was happening in the 1st reading.
Yet he refused to succumb to the desire to take the life of king Saul because he respected Saul as the Lord's anointed.
David's example is truly an example for us when it comes to respect and obedience to authorities, not just in the sacred sense, but also in the secular sense.
Saul might have committed evil acts, but nonetheless he was God's anointed.
We also have to recognize that Saul still had that goodness in him to acknowledge and affirm David's magnanimity.
We are God's chosen people, and by virtue of our baptism we are also God's anointed ones.
We have to admit that there are times when we have not lived up to our calling as God's anointed ones and may have been counter witnesses of the faith.
But just as Jesus appointed the Twelve to go forth and preach, we too have a sermon to preach.
What better sermon can we preach other than to acknowledge and affirm the goodness in others so that together we can grow and truly become the Church that radiates the love and forgiveness of God.