The Strength of Restraint: Lessons from David and Jesus

The Strength of Restraint: Lessons from David and Jesus

The Homily reflects on a challenging Gospel passage that urges . . .

. . . believers to transcend the natural human desire for revenge and vindication. Using the Old Testament story of David sparing King Saul’s life as an example, the Homily highlights the importance of choosing mercy over retaliation, even when given the power to strike back. This message is reinforced by Jesus’ teachings, which challenge his followers to go beyond basic goodness and be truly set apart through acts of patience, mercy, and generosity.

Jesus calls his disciples to a higher standard—not just loving friends and family but also showing kindness to enemies and responding to hostility with grace. The Homily illustrates how unchecked anger and resentment diminish a person’s character, emphasizing that true strength lies in restraint and forgiveness.

St. Joseph Custom

The Homily concludes with a call to generosity, tying it to the tradition of the St. Joseph Altar, where food donations symbolize an abundance of kindness and concern for those in need.

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The Strength of Restraint: Lessons from David and Jesus