1 Sam 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 / Mark 3:1-6
In some cultures and in some family traditions, the blessings from the elders and parents are held in high esteem.
It may be for a marriage where the children will ask for the blessings from their parents. It may be for the leadership of a clan where the elected candidate will ask for the blessings of the elders. It may be about a successor asking for the blessings of his predecessor.
These blessings may be an expression of approval. But in a higher and deeper sense, it could also be an expression on the part of the elders or parents to exercise their authority to invoke divine blessings on those who are to embark on a new undertaking.
In the 1st reading, we see a form of the invoking of such a blessing. David suggested to king Saul that he would go and fight that Goliath.
Saul was reluctant because David was only a boy and he had no fighting experience. Also the fate of the battle hinged on the outcome of this single combat with Goliath.
But surprisingly Saul finally agreed and said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you." The outcome, as we know it now, is the famous story of how David killed Goliath with a single stone from a sling.
But it must not be forgotten that David went with the blessings of Saul, and with that the Lord fought the battle for David.
If Saul had not given the approval nor his blessings to David, and if David had gone without either, we might wonder how it would turn out.
But in the gospel, when Jesus asked those in the synagogue (presumably the elders) the question about doing good or evil, to save or to kill on the Sabbath, they said nothing. And Jesus was grieved to find them so obstinate.
Let us learn these lessons from Scripture, so that when we are in a position of authority, we may know what is the good and right thing to do, and grant others the blessings when they want to embark on it.