(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
Presidents, queen and other such people have bodyguards and security details. No matter how beloved the persons in high places are, there is always the possibility that someone will try to get rid of them. For them, a breach in security can become a matter of life or death. A breach in security led to Julius Caesar’s death. A breach in security led to John F Kennedy’s death.
Saul went into a restroom and forgot to check out the security of the place. Would-be assassins had their chance, David was no ordinary assassin; in fact, David was not an assassin at all.
Although Saul wanted to kill David and David had to run away to save his life, David would not lift his hand against the king. While Saul was obsessed with envy, David was overcome with humility and respect. David would not kill the one who wanted to kill him.
The author contrasts the fear and weakness of Saul with the gentleness and generosity of David. The king behaves like a spoiled brat and the subject acts with majesty and goodness.
The Lord had chosen each and had the prophet anoint each as king over Israel, but David would not hasten the day of his coronation by getting rid of the first anointed one.
We have a lesson in humility and magnanimity contrasting with one of envy and inward conflict. As with all Scripture, we have a choice: to be a villain or to be a hero. Do we choose to imitate Saul or David?