Channeling righteousness in the face of dragons

A Reflection for Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Find today’s readings here.

I recently binged the entirety of “Game of Thrones” with my brother-in-law. It was awesome. The twists, turns and character development kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the nearly 75 hours of television. When it was all said and done, Jon Snow, played by actor Kit Harington, stood out as my favorite character.

He does the right thing, even when it makes his life far more difficult. He tries to live with honor and integrity in a show full of characters constantly committing heinous acts. It is no small feat. And today’s first reading made me think of Jon Snow.

In the midst of his jealousy-fueled pursuit to find and kill David, Saul unknowingly (and solitarily) enters a cave where David is hiding. David’s men tell him that God has “delivered [his] enemy into [his] grasp” and encourage him to kill Saul. Despite the clear chance to do so and end this conflict once and for all, David spares Saul’s life. He chooses mercy over violence, trust and patience over impulsivity.

A common expression is that our character is truly tested in how we act when no one is watching. In this case, David’s character is tested when he sees the man who wants to kill him standing alone and defenseless in a cave. Same sentiment. David was set to be the new king, and killing Saul would have ensured his position. Yet David chooses to act with grace and compassion, the qualities characteristic of a true leader. The type that Jesus would come to be.

David’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Hate cannot drive out hate.” David does not succumb to feelings of rage, jealousy, violence or greed. In “Game of Thrones,” albeit in a fictional and often unbelievable setting, Jon Snow repeatedly chooses virtue over actions that would bring him power and prestige. He displays a type of care for the common good that most people considered foolish. Even in a world of dragons and magic, morality can still win out. 

Though I have yet to see any fire-breathing dragons flying over Manhattan, our world today can still feel pretty outrageous and upsetting. This story serves as a reminder that we are rewarded for acting with mercy and justice, and we are called to do so. Saul is moved by David’s choice and affirms him, recognizing his own wrongdoing. Here’s to hoping that when we find our character being tested in our own lives, we can channel the righteousness of King David and Jon Snow.

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