1st Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 13th January 2024 – 1 Sam 9,1-4.17-19; 10,1; Mark 2,13-17
Re/Directed to God’s Destiny
The first reading relates the account of how Saul is designated by God and anointed by Samuel as the first King of Israel. Here the monarchy is seen as something willed by God, and Saul is clearly God’s choice as the first king. He is presented as having qualities suitable for his future role as king and political leader: young, handsome and a commanding figure, above average in height. The hand of God is now seen as events unfold. The donkeys of Saul’s Father, Kish, had wandered off somewhere and Saul and his servants went in search of them to bring back. It is perhaps symbolic that Saul is presented as a handler of donkeys, which tended to stray far from home. He is, after all, going to be the king of rebellious people. He was a valiant and successful warrior and was even a prophet (1 Sam 10-11). The accidental encounter between Saul and Samuel is presented as something clearly planned by God. When they first meet, Saul does not recognize the prophet. Samuel, for his part, has already been told by God that this Benjaminite has been specially chosen to lead God’s people and save them from the hands of the Philistines. Through uncertain and unexpected events and situations, God continues to communicate something to his chosen ones. He manifests and manipulates his design through every person we meet and, in every experience, we may have. We are directed or redirected for God’s destiny.
