In today's first reading we find David on the run from his own son Absolam. What is worth noting is where he goes, the Mount of Olives.- the place to which Jesus retreated. The fact most of us may not know is that area was not the beautiful olive grove of paintings. It was a necropolis, think cemetery.
Even more interesting is the probably mentally ill man who follows him cursing all the way. Once more David shows true wisdom.
Instead of responding in anger or writing the man off as crazy, David entertains the real possibility that the man speaking for the Lord. He is able to hear the truth even from this man. Like most of deep down David knows the truth. Not only does David know the truth that is what the man is saying, but he able to see that even this may be turned into a source of blessing.
Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction and make it up to me with benefits for the curses he is uttering this day.
Imagine if we could take criticism this way. If we could accept the parts that are true and see that even what might be crazy ranted can be transformed by God.
