DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (1567-1622). 

Born in  (France). With apostolic zeal, St. Francis de Sales fought Calvinism. He was Bishop of . With St. Francis Fremyot de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation. He wrote Introduction to the Devout Life, a classic of spiritual direction. He died in  and was canonized in 1655. In 1877, Pius IX proclaimed him Doctor of the Church. Pius XI declared him as Patron Saint of Journalists and Other Writers.

📖 Table of the Word

First Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1–4, 11–12, 19, 23–27

Gospel: Mark 3:20–21

Theme: Gentle Hearts, Enduring Love.

Reflection

Beloved in Christ Jesus, today's first  readings is quite astonishing as it highlights David's mourning over the death of Saul (cf. 2 Samuel 1:1–4, 11–12, 19, 23–27)

Saul hunted David like an animal. Tried repeatedly to kill him. Made his life miserable. Yet when Saul dies, David does not celebrate. He weeps.

“How the mighty have fallen!”

No revenge. No “he deserved it.” Only tears.

This is a purified heart,  a heart free from hatred.

David teaches us something rare:

You can be wounded by someone and still choose love over bitterness.

The Mother Church in her catechesis often exhorts us that stressing the need to forgive as revenge keeps us in l chain to our enemy; while forgiveness sets us free before it frees.

However, the Godpel pericope presents before us the misunderstanding of Christ’s personlaity buly His people (cf. Mark 3:20–21). This account hurt a little as His family said: "He is beside himself.’” Imagine that. 

Not strangers.

Not enemies.

His own people.

They think Jesus is crazy.

The Son of God experiences what many of us quietly experience:

misunderstanding, rejection, loneliness even ostracization just because we are at the right wing - justice. That is why sometimes goodness can look foolish to the world.

Dearest friends in Christ, let us be concious of the fact that the Cross begins long before Calvary. It begins when love is not understood.

If David shows tender mercy

and Jesus shows patient endurance,

Finally, Let us go of bitterness and stay faithful even if misunderstood; for Holiness grows quietly in patient and loving hearts.

+ Peace be with you!

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