A lesson from King David

As I reflected on today’s first reading, 2 Sam 15, 13-14, 30: 16: 5-13, the following prayer followed:

“Lord, what an example from your servant, David!  His son is seeking to kill him. Others have raised up against him, cursing him and throwing stones  and dirt at him. He stops his army from striking back, as You stopped Your disciples who wanted to kill those who rejected You or rose up against You. David mirrors Your trust in Your Father.  Help us, Lord. When others rise up against us, when we are tempted to strike back with stinging words, weapons that do not destroy the body but deeply wound the soul.  You tell us, as you told Peter, ‘Put your weapons back in your scabbard.’ Stop the violence!

“Lord, give each of us the strength and the trust of King David. We, your servants, want to obey your command to stop any violent attack both of weapons that harm the body but also of weapons that bring harm to the soul of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Yes, we want to stop throwing ‘dirt,’ as well.  We truly want to stop the violence that led to your death on the cross and leads to so many people continuing to die prematurely.  Help us, O God! Help us!”