A characteristic of David's life is that he gave himself to "the Lord with abandon" (2 Sm 6:14). David didn't hold back on giving to God, no matter what others said about him.

David was upset that Goliath was insulting God (1 Sm 17:26), and was determined to defend God's honor by fighting the giant. David's brothers "grew angry with David," insulting and belittling him (1 Sm 17:28). Goliath insulted David as well (1 Sm 17:42ff). David paid no attention to the personal insults, but abandoned his life for the honor of the name of God (1 Sm 17:45ff).

David not only danced with abandon before the Lord, he gave the procession his all. He organized hundreds of people to carry the ark, to process in worship, and sing God's praises (see 1 Chr 15:3-25). David gave it all financially as well, by providing a meal for every person in Israel, as he had called the entire nation to the procession (1 Chr 15:28; 16:3). He held nothing back when it came to worshipping God. Yet his reward was to be "despised" (1 Chr 15:29) and insulted by his wife, Michal, for a seeming lack of royal dignity in his worship (2 Sm 6:20). David paid no attention to the insult, and responded by telling her that he would now worship God with abandon "even more" (2 Sm 6:22).

Be like King David, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Stephen, and today's saint, Francis de Sales. Abandon yourself so completely to the Lord that you notice only His glory.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 19, 2005

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