January 18, 2018 Thursday, the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time-B
1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7
Psalm 56
Mark 3:7-12
Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before. 1 Sam. 19:7
Lord, it was out of jealousy that Saul wanted to do away with David. It was out of a sense of duty and respect that David wanted to serve Saul. It was out of love and friendship that Jonathan intervened and became a peacemaker. King Saul’s son had the presence of mind and the wisdom to prevent murder and to bring peace to the relationship between Saul and David. Lord, so many families today are suffering from jealousy, envy, bitterness and fear. We are so in need of reconciliation and healing. You use us as peacemakers in families that are broken and in pain. Help me to build up and not tear down. Like Jonathan, guide me to the wisdom to bring together rivals, to serve as your instrument of healing and to foster forgiveness. And if I am in a dispute, give me the humility to cooperate with your grace to turn from bitterness to peace. Amen