Goliath was dead. You would think that King Saul would be overjoyed that David, one of his own, had slain the Philistine. And he was…for a short time. More in a moment. In our Gospel reading from Mark 3, Jesus has more run-ins with unclean spirits. Each time He cast them out, he warns them not to make him known to anyone.
I’m pretty sure that being a king would probably put just about anyone on a fairly large ego trip. I’ve never been one, but I’m guessing that it comes with the territory. Such was the case for Saul. He was the man. But now there was a new kid in town – literally. Young David had just slain Goliath. He was already becoming a hero in the eyes of the people. Read today’s reading to see what they were saying about him. This made Saul jealous. Someone was getting more props than him. Saul wanted to kill David.
A jealous heart can be a very nasty thing. The reason that jealousy is so bad is that it is all focused on the self. When someone else gets lauds, kudos, attention, love, we get all bent out of shape. When someone gets something that we desire but can’t have for whatever reason, our feelings for them turn sour. It takes away from us, or so we think. It takes a lot for a person to be truly happy for another. But that is what true love is. In 1 Corinthians 13, St. Paul says love is not jealous. Are there places or relationships in your life where jealousy is a problem? Take it to God today. Ask for greater love, that jealousy may flee from your heart.
Father, forgive us for those times when we let jealousy get the best of us. Teach us to be truly happy for the successes of others. Amen.
If you’re in South Florida (or have a friend in South Florida, ask them to) join me in Naples, FL for Faith and Wine on Thursday, January 28! Details at www.FaithandWine.com.
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