out of our minds
“Alas! The glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen!” —2 Samuel 1:19
David deeply grieved the death of King Saul in battle (2 Sm 1:11). He grieved for the man who multiple times hunted him down to kill him. David should have been Saul’s general, but Saul expelled him. If David was fighting in Saul’s army, the Israelites might have won the battle because the Lord had made David successful in war (1 Sm 18:13ff). Additionally, King Saul “was out of his mind” (see Mk 3:21), even seeking advice from the very medium he had outlawed (1 Sm 28:3, 7ff). Saul had an “evil spirit” (1 Sm 18:10). He was subject to fits of depression. Yet David forgave Saul and spared his life (1 Sm 24:5ff), even though Saul’s poor decisions led the entire nation to defeat.
Jesus was called “out of His mind,” but He was truly sane. Yet He, like David, suffered for and forgave those who slandered and persecuted Him. Can you do likewise? Take on “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). Be considered “out of your mind” because you are into His mind. Love the Lord “with all your mind” (Lk 10:27) and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rm 12:2).
Prayer: Father, every day I will come before You in prayer and allow You to fill my mind with Your Word.
Promise: “Rouse Your power and come to save us.” —Ps 80:3
Praise: St. Francis de Sales pastored his flock with gentleness, patience, understanding, and great love. He is the patron of journalists, writers, and editors. St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on The Book of Forgiveness, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)
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 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"
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.