4th Week in OT 2018 - Monday - Haters gonna hate

In this age where everyone feels entitled to publicly express their negative opinions, there’s an expression the kids use these days to deal with cruel, ignorant, or hateful comments. They say, “Haters gonna hate”. In other words, there are always going to be people who criticize you, who love to see you fail.

Well King David encountered a so-called “Hater” at one of the low moments of his life, even lower than when he was being hunted down by Saul. David’s third son Absalom had mounted a rebellion against this aging father, and had murdered his brother, the crowned prince Amnon, David’s first born and inheritor of the throne of Israel.

David had been driven out of Jerusalem when he comes across this vicious hater, Shimei. Shimei curses David for mistreating Saul, claiming he brought ruin to the house of Saul. Now none of this was true. Remember, it was Saul who bitterly mistreated and hunted David; it was Saul who brought ruin to his own house.

Now, David’s soldiers were more than willing to kill Shimei for cursing their king. But what does David do? He doesn’t raise arms against Shimei, he doesn’t even defend himself.  He perhaps foreshadows the Lord's own teaching, that he who lives by the sword, shall die by the sword. He deals with the calumny with humility.

One, David recognizes that “haters gonna hate.” Some people, especially the ignorant, will revel in seeing you fail. So David, wisely chooses not to engage this buffoon.

Secondly, notice, David was willing to hear what God might be saying to him through this cursing critic. That’s pretty profound. David teaches us to see the hand of God in every circumstance—even when we are being calumniated.

Thirdly, David trusts that if he suffers injustice now, the unjust insults of Shimei, God who is just will vindicate him in God’s time.

David was able to defeat the giant Goliath through his humble trust in God, and that humility shines forth here, again. David’s humility kept him from engaging this giant fool, and thus he emerged the bigger man.

May true humility mark all of our conversations, disagreements, and endeavors, may it prevent us from foolishness, and strengthen us in following the will of God, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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That all members of the Church may live out their baptismal call with greater conviction and faithfulness, and turn to the Lord in their sins with sincere contrition.

As we begin Catholic Schools Week, we pray for all students, that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom and understanding, and that teachers may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and competence.  We pray to the Lord.

For parents, the first teachers of their children, that by their faith and love, they may be blessings to their families, and for a strengthening of all families in faith.  We pray to the Lord.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord