1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7 / Mark 3:7-12
When others achieve success and gain popularity, the expected thing to do is to congratulate them.
But do we really want to congratulate them? Do we really feel good at other people's success and popularity? Or do we actually feel jealous, just that we won't show it.
And if we were their superior or senior or of a higher rank, we might just want to show our resentment at the success and popularity of others.
King Saul was not only jealous and resentful of David's success in the battlefield and his subsequent popularity, he got very angry and even intended to kill David.
The behaviour of king Saul was certainly not surprising. His behaviour shows the dark side within us.
If we were king Saul would we do likewise, or would we do otherwise?
The 1st reading has this lesson for us, i.e. people who are jealous and resentful of the success and popularity of others will not experience their own success or popularity.
When we learn to be happy and even rejoice in the success and popularity of others, we will be contented and even happy with ourselves.
Then we will also realise that life is a journey where we help others when they fail, and congratulate them when they succeed.
After all, life is a celebration, not a competition.