Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished! (2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012426.cfm
David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan arises from the heart. Laments give us the words to mourn our loses. Surprisingly, Scripture helps us to express the feelings that we generally bury deep inside. Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is known as the “gentle saint.” His Introduction to the Devout Life has been a guide for many souls. https://youtu.be/RF4NxxxaO3A?si=7zOxkDmNQred_6Ae
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor, January 24
