Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/273

 than  his  victory  over  Goliath. St. Chrysostom  says  of  him: “Women did not  come  to  meet  him,  singing  the  praises  of  this  victory,  but  the choirs of  angels,  full  of  admiration,  sang  the  praises  of  his  magnanimity.” Learn then  how  beautiful  and  praiseworthy  it  is  to  overcome  yourself and forgive  those  who  have  injured  you.

Love until  death. David  loved  Saul  and  Jonathan  till  they  died,  and bitterly mourned  their  death. True love  lasts  beyond  the  grave,  and  we should  preserve  our  love  for  those  dear  unto  us  after  they  are  dead. You should pray  for  the  souls  of  your  departed  parents,  friends  and  relations.

Resistance to  grace.  Learn  from  the  case  of  Saul  how  low  a man can fall  when  he  forsakes  God,  resists  grace  and  gives  himself  over to his  passions. If you  give  the  devil  one  finger,  he  will  want  to  have your whole  hand  and  your  whole  self. Saul was  originally  humble, and God  was  with  him  and  gave  him  many  graces;  but  his  victories made him  proud  and  disobedient  to  God. His pride  could  not  endure that David  should  be  so  highly  honoured  and  esteemed,  and  therefore he was  envious  and  jealous  of  him. Envy embittered  his  life  and made him  ungrateful  towards  David,  and  this  led  further  to  hatred  of him  and  desire  for  his  death. Thus Saul  became  more  and  more  unworthy of  the  divine  assistance. Quite forsaken  by  God,  he  was  defeated by the  Philistines  in  spite  of  his  valour,  and  ended  his  life  by  suicide. What a sad  end  for  a man  chosen  out  by  God  from  among  all  men!

What do  you  do  when  anyone  injures  you by word  or  deed? Do you  cherish  a grudge  against  him  in  your heart? Do you  wish  evil  to  any  of  your  companions? Do you speak evil  of  him  to  others? “Forgive and  forget!”

fter the  death  of  Saul  David  was  chosen  king. He established  his  court  in  Jerusalem,  where  he  became  renowned for his  great  valour. He defeated  the  Philistines  and  many  other