Today's readings - Companions

Reflecting on today's reading last night, I focused on the bit on the call of the Apostles, and also on the jealousy of Saul and mercy of David. But this morning at mass, I was enlightened to see a link in both readings (1Sam 24:3-21 & Mk 3:13-19)

Just as Jesus gathered His companions by His side to train them and to send them out, both Saul and David also had their companions. I haven't read the preceding passage, but it can be seen that Saul's companion's sowed discord which fueled Saul's jealousy of David, and on the other side, David's companion's encouraged him to take revenge on the person persecuting him.

The first point for reflection is whether I am one of those who sows discord among others, sometimes even unknowingly biasing other people with my own prejudices. And also, do I allow other's comments affect my own judgement, without even searching the truth.

Second point, in contrast to the first, it would seem right for David's companions to encourage David to end their persecution since God had put Saul at his mercy. David was courageous enough to ignore the suggestions of others and do the right thing.

Reading Henri Nouwen's book "The Wounded Healer", the beginning covers the current generation, using the phrase "fatherless generation", where we are not so much concerned about what our parents or elders think, but on the opinion of our peers. When we are caught up with trying to be popular, cool and unique, peer pressure is so powerful, are we aware of the right thing to do in God's eyes, or just doing what the masses feel comfortable with.

The Gospel thus gives us the model of companionship, with Christ in the centre, our friendships should lead us closer to him, and yet also to be sent out, doing His will. In that sense it's a good thing that He died, and gave us the Eucharist, so that He can now be present in so many places at the same time. To give us strength and consolation to continue.