the big difference
“Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights.” —2 Samuel 1:19
Saul and David were similar in that they both were:
- handsome,
- kings,
- anointed with the Spirit,
- powerful,
- disobedient,
- murderous and violent, and
- serious sinners.
Saul and David were dissimilar in that David repented, while Saul did not repent. Saul became involved in the occult (1 Sm 28:8ff) and eventually committed suicide (1 Sm 31:4).
The Lord would have had mercy on Saul if only he had prayed as David did: “Have mercy me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me” (Ps 51:3-4). The Lord likewise will have mercy on us if we will only repent and cry out: “Lord, have mercy!”
Prayer: “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from Your presence, and Your Holy Spirit take not from me. Give me back the joy of Your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me” (Ps 51:12-14).
Promise: “Rouse Your power and come to save us.” —Ps 80:3
Praise: Allowing God into their marriage made all the difference for Joe and Denise.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.