The Memorial of St Francis de Sales

1 Sam. 24:3-21, Mk 3:13-19. By summoning His disciples for a teaching session on a mountainside, Jesus in today's Gospel evokes memories of Moses who went up Mount Sinai to receive God’s Law (Ex. 19). The message His disciples are to spread is a new spirit that goes deeper than just a set of laws just as a divine impulse let David to spare king Saul’s life in today's first reading. This act of clemency surprises Saul and makes him ashamed of his own murderous hunt for his younger rival, David. The future king David shows high regard for the monarchy when he shouts out: “I will not raise a hand against the Lord’s anointed.” There is a sense of 'noble' oblige in this story, of doing the noble thing rather than taking vengeance.

Jesus goes up the mountainside as the place to choose the twelve apostles. The mountains are often privileged places for prayer and connection with the divine. This mountain scene invites us to find our own special places, to be aware of God’s providence and be alone with none but God. A place where we can go deeper and have a prayerful spirit that will help us to renew our personal bond with Jesus. The twelve were to be His regular companions, following Him each day, noting all that He did and said. He sent them out to preach and heal, actively sharing in His mission. We are meant to actively share in the Lord’s work, sharing His spirit with others. In order to do this, we need to get to Him more closely, know Him well and be in His company through prayer. Our reaching out in prayer creates space for God to work in us and through us. The choice of the twelve is an iconic reminder of what He wants to do for us and through us, as His ambassadors who will put God and His greater glory ahead. St Francis de Sales whose memory we venerate, is another holy predecessor who put God and His greater glory ahead of his desire and pride. Francis de Sales was renowned for his role as the Bishop and teacher who ministered in areas infected with heretical teaching of the reformer with great patience and love.

May the Lord give us the insight to see His hand at work in everything, so that we may put God ahead of our desire! Amen!! Good morning, peace be with you!!!