The Power of Friendship

In today’s first reading, 1 Samuel 18: 6-9; 19: 1-7, we read of Saul’s jealous rage toward David and his fear that he would take over his kingship.  Upon his return of slaying the Philistine, David and Saul are approaching the city and are greeted by women “from each of the cities of Israel…singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’. Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: ‘They gave David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.’ And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David” and planned to kill him.

Each of us has a Saul, a David, and a Jonathan within us.  For instance, at times, like Jonathan,  as friends of another, we may be called upon to intercede for that person, making efforts to bring sense to a raging member of the family, a parishioner, a coworker, a neighbor, a person in authority who is determined to harm a friend of ours.   We can learn a lot from Jonathan, who says to his father:  “Let not your majesty sin against…David, for he has…helped you very much by his deeds.  When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it.” Jonathan  does not approach his father in  anger but in wisdom. He’s thought things through before confronting Saul.  Saul listens and Jonathan's friend is saved. 

 May we, too, when called upon to do so, have the courage to stand up for our friends, for anyone in trouble. May we, like Jonathan,  bring about peace by first pointing out the good in the person “at war” with  the other, ready to act out his/her jealous rage or out-of-control anger. May we have the courage to speak up to authority on behalf of another who will harmed if the contemplated action is not  thwarted.  Gently, caringly and firmly, may we challenge choices that could lead to disaster, pain and hardship, and, yes, even death.