December 14th        Saul and David. The book 1 Samuel has a long historical account of the first years of the Israel as a kingdom.

God revealed Saul to Samuel to be anointed as the first king. He was popular and a great commander but at times an evil spirit possessed him. David a young man in Saul’s service could calm Saul by playing his harp. David became great friends with Saul’s son Jonathan, and remained so even later when Saul and David became bitter enemies because Saul was jealous of David’s growing power. Saul fell out of favour after he disobeyed God and was finally rejected by God as king.

Samuel said to Saul, you have rejected the word of the Lord and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel. 1 Sam 15:26. For reflection and discussion. We know the saying, “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” How often does political power, at any level, even in parishes, school committees etc lead to conflict and disaster?