I. Charism - La Salle.org

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II. CHARISM IN THE BIBLE
The charism of faithfulness: David is passionate in his friendships
and faithful to them to the end. He is faithful to Jonathan, son of
king Saul (1S 20:8) and shows favour to Mephibosheth (2S 4:4)
son of his great friend by lodging him in his palace (9:9-12). He
weeps for his great friend, Jonathan (2S 1:17-27) and for his generals
(2S 3:30-39). His faithfulness extends also to Abiathar, the
priest who had saved him (1S 22:22) and to his household, even
when he took refuge with the Philistines, the enemies of Israel (1S
27:1-5).
The charism of respect: in spite of king Saul’s persecution of which
he is the object, David has a great respect for him (1S 24:7-12;
26:9-12). He even goes as far as having Saul’s assassin (2S 1:14-17)
and sons of the king (2S 4:6-12) killed, and, when he was fleeing
from his son Absalom, putting up with the insults of Saul’s descendants
(2S 16:5-13).
The charism of a sense of the Transcendent: he wishes to build a
sumptuous temple to Yahweh (2S 7). He consults God (1S 23:8-
13; 30:6-9; 2S 2:1; 5:17-21) and does not immediately transport
the Ark into his capital out of respect for and fear of God (2S 6:8-
11)… Tradition attributes many psalms to him.
The charism of listening: David listens to strategic advice when he
is confronted by his son Absalom (18:1-6). He is the captain of the
desperate (1S 22:1). He is just and impartial in sharing the booty
with those who had not taken part in the looting (1S 30:21-25).
SOLOMON
The charism of the triumphant and wise leader
It is the same with Solomon as with his father David. His charism as
triumphant leader is subdivided, in a manner of speaking, into other
charisms which enable him carry out successfully his kingly vocation.