Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
In our reading, Saul and his army were looking for David. They went to sleep that night. David and Abishai found them asleep in their camp and Abishai suggested that they kill Saul with his own spear. David refused to kill Saul because God had chosen and anointed Saul. Instead, David took Saul’s spear to the mountain and called out that he had the spear and could have killed Saul but didn’t.
In our Gospel, Jesus was talking to his disciples. He wants them to love their enemies, to pray for those who are mean, to give more than people ask for, and to treat others the way you would like to be treated. We are called to be kind to all people because God is kind and merciful to everyone.
Special Saint: St. Gabriel Possenti – February 27th
Francis was born in Assisi, Italy in 1838 and named after St. Francis of Assisi. His mother died when he was 4 years old.
Francis was very handsome and likeable. He was often the most popular person at a party. He loved to have fun but often he felt a strong desire for God.
Twice Francis became sick and he almost died. Both times he promised our Lady that if he was well again, he would become a religious. He did get better both times, but he didn’t keep his promise.
One day, he saw a picture of the Sorrowful Mother being carried in a procession and he felt the Blessed Mother was looking right at him. He heard a voice in his heart calling him to a different life.
At 18 years, Francis entered the Passionist monastery and took the new name Gabriel of our Lady of Sorrows. He spent time thinking about Mary and the passion of Jesus and how much the Lord had suffered for him. He practiced humility and obedience.
Gabriel was known for his joy. He was always happy and he spread happiness to those around him.
He died on February 27, 1862 at 23 or 24 years old.
Trying to have only good times will leave us empty and dissatisfied. True happiness comes from living according to God’s plan. We can ask St. Gabriel to help us find real joy and meaning in our lives.