1 Samuel 18:6-9,; 19:1-7 / Mark 3:7-12
Power and strength are often exhibited by the exertion of speed and force.
So how a task is accomplished is often measured by how fast it is done and how much power is used to do it.
Power and strength, as well as speed, are impressive as well as attractive to those who desire for it.
In the 1st reading, that was a great admiration for David for leading the Israelites into victory over the Philistines.
That made Saul jealous. He was jealous because he thought that he had the power and might to lead the Israelites in victory over the enemy.
Instead it was a young man with no military experience who defeated the enemy and won the admiration.
So Saul wanted to use his power and might to kill David.
That is the madness and the insanity of jealousy.
In the gospel, Jesus used His power to cure the sick and to cast out evil spirits from those who were possessed.
True power is in the curing and healing of those who are sick and suffering.
May we understand that true power and strength lies in gentleness and kindness, compassion and patience.
That is what the world wants to see in us who call ourselves Christians.