+ What classic readings we have for mass today! In the
first reading, David learns that both Saul and Jonathan have been killed in
battle! His grief is enormous for he had very different but intimate
relationship with both of them.
He was Saul’s protégé and was
given latitude and great responsibilities because Saul knew he would be a
significant figure in the future of the people of Israel.
With Jonathan he had a deep
and iconic relationship of true friendship, whose boundaries were allowed to
appear to go father than similar relationships between other men. There was no
reported sexual relationship but there was quite obviously a “homosocial bond”
that was simply iron-clad and irrevocable!
The magnificent poetic
arial/lament in this reading is about the most powerful in all of Scripture –
because it is so human and divine at the same time.
Alas, the glory of Israel has been slain
on your heights!
How did the heroes fall?
Saul and Jonathan, loved and lovely,
neither in life, nor in death, were
divided.
Swifter than eagles were they,
stronger were they than lions.
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul
who clothed you in scarlet and fine linen,
who set brooches of gold
on your garments.
How did the heroes fall
in the thick of the battle?
O Jonathan, in your death I am stricken,
I am desolate for you, Jonathan my
brother.
Very dear to me you were,
your love to me more wonderful
than the love of a woman.
How did the heroes fall
and the battle armour fail?
WOW! And in the gospel, passage we have a
strategically placed idea that oftentimes Jesus was considered “out of his
mind” – because he went about talking about unconditional love, reconciliation,
peace, joy, the revelation of real and credible values and morals, and he cured
people to awaken faith – and for some odd reason people kept following him
around and sought him out so that he barely had any space or time for himself.
IMAGINE THAT!
So,
when you go about doing inspired deeds, and spouting off genuine and authentic
and “piercing to the heart’ words of wisdom and hope – you might be called
“crazy” too – but if so you are in very good company – and are most certainly
staying on the path to sanctity that God is calling you to.
Open our hearts, O Lord, to accept the words of
your Son!
Amen.
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