1 Samuel 24:3-21 / Mark 3:13-19
In life there are two values that point to who we are and who others are to us.
These two values are dignity and respect.
When we are aware of our own dignity, we will respect ourselves.
And we will respect the dignity of others.
And we will also respect all the principles that govern the dignity of others.
In the 1st reading, David had the opportunity to kill Saul for unjustly persecuting him.
But David only cut off the border of the cloak of Saul and went off.
David cut off the border of Saul’s robe to serve as undeniable proof that he had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to.
In doing so, David proved his innocence, respect for God's anointed leader, and refusal to take the throne by force.
This act highlighted his submission to God’s timing rather than his own.
In the gospel, Jesus appointed His twelve Apostles.
In doing so, Jesus respected their dignity, and they were to be His companions.
He would teach them about the dignity of every human person.
He would send them out to preach, and with power to restore the dignity of those who suffer injustice and persecution.
May we also recognize our own dignity as children of God.
May we also respect the dignity of others by letting them know they too are loved by God.