Commentary on the Gospel of
When the Authorities Digress
There is something deeply noble about David, a nobility that arises from a fierce fidelity to the Lord. Even when he had his enemy (Saul) at his feet, he spares him—for the sole reason that to raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed is equivalent to raising one’s hand against the Lord Himself. However, this would not prevent him from course-correcting Saul. In the Gospel, Jesus calls and appoints the apostles. Yet the history of the Church shows that not all their successors have remained faithful to the Lord. This must give us pause. We must respect the authority given by God; but it shall not stop us from pointing out their errors when they digress. And we shall do it as David did—fearlessly, but respectfully and lovingly. To judge them ultimately must be left to God who alone knows human hearts in depth.
