Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, we see Saul and David returning after David had slain the Philistine. They were greeted with much joy and festivities as the women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul became jealous that they attributed more to David, and the jealousy consumed him to the point that he considered killing David so that he could stay in power.
Are there times in our lives that we see someone raised up and praised but we think in our hearts, “That should have been me” or “I have worked harder than him” or maybe, “I’m more devoted than he is.” But instead of becoming jealous like Saul, should we not be overjoyed that our brother or sister is receiving praise; should we not share in their joy? For when any part of the Body of Christ is glorified for the sake of the kingdom of God, then the whole body grows in that same glory. We are one Body in Christ through our Baptism, and we share in the glory, honor, and praise of all the members of the Body through Jesus Christ. And when we are the ones being praised for our work for the kingdom of God, we should look to the example of Jesus in the Gospel who did not seek power but wished to not be made known. Rather, like Jesus, we should seek to have compassion for the other and seek to heal them through our Love in Christ Jesus.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections