Today's first reading (cf 1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7) continues the story of David after his battle with Goliath (cf 1 Sam 17:48-49). Returning triumphant, he was greeted with celebration and song (cf 1 Sam 18:6-7) but something interesting was revealed in the heart of Saul. David and Saul had been friends, but Saul was jealous of the attention that David was receiving (cf 1 Sam 18:8-9). Jealousy is a dangerous emotion because it makes human beings act irrationally, and when we act irrationally, we often live to regret what we have said or done.
In the case of Saul, his emotions were tempered by the reasoning of his son Jonathan who revealed Saul's plan to his friend David: My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding (1 Sam 19:2). Jonathan then spoke with his father, doing his best to alter Saul's opinion of David (cf 1 Sam 19:4-5) and the result was that Saul had a change of heart.
The good news that we see revealed in the witness of the young Jonathan who dares to stand up to his father's wrath for the sake of his friend David can and should inspire us to be ready to identify injustices that may take place in our own lives. The world around us often tries to convince us that we should distance ourselves from getting involved in other people's affairs, but if we follow the advice of those around us, we can sometimes end up with jealousy reigning in our hearts - and that proves too often to be destructive. If, on the other hand, we follow the example that we see in the life of Jonathan, we will go further, daring to stand up for injustices, to do what we can to broker peace and to live in friendship and support for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Have a great day.
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