Saul, was
blinded by fear, failed to see God's hand at work and…
The David and
Goliath story is another memorable and dramatic story. Coming out to greet the
conquering heroes, the women of Israel sing a song for the occasion. "Saul has slain his thousands, and
David his ten thousands."
Hearing this, Saul became exceedingly envious of David. Saul suspected
that due to these praises, David would capitalize on his popularity and seize
the throne. Actually Saul had little or no real basis for such a fear. David
respected Saul and his position. David recognized that the same divine power
which had allowed him to defeat Goliath had also established Saul as the
rightful king. Saul, was blinded by fear, failed to see God's hand at work and
gave in to the vice of envy.
Envy is discontent
at the excellence of good fortune of another. It produces resentment and
bitterness. Envy is a terrible sin not only because it manifests selfishness
but also makes a person miserable. It's like a plague.
In our own
struggles and challenges to make ends meet and find our way we can also become
bitter about our own situation, though envy knows no boundaries. We can envy
even the good fortune of our best friends or members of our families.
Although there is a
pettiness in all envy, its main cause is a lack of personal security, not the
kind of security which comes from money only but from the conviction that God
loves us. When we recognize the wealth of God's blessings to us we need not
envy any one else.
Points to Pray and Ponder. Take time
to meditate on today's Responsorial Psalm. In God I Trust; I shall not fear.
For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may
walk before God in the light of the living.
God is at work in our lives, directing us in a loving way.