2nd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 16th January 2024 – 1 Sam 16,1-13; Mark 2,23-28
Chosen to be Favoured King
The first reading gives us the account of God sending Samuel to anoint the future king of Israel. With Saul rejected by God as king, Samuel is now directed towards Bethlehem to look for a successor, whom God has already chosen. But, Samuel is moved by fear and by outward appearances, but the Lord sees from a different perspective. King Saul was prideful and disobedient and separated himself from God’s friendship through his sins. Because of Saul’s disobedience, the Lord commanded Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint the youngest as new king among the seven sons of Jesse. God saw the heart of Saul and judged him unworthy to lead his people. As well, God saw the heart of David and sent his Spirit upon the young boy. God goes beyond our mere outward appearances, God sees into a person’s inner disposition and character. God realizes what a person can be, not just what a person looks like. At the same, in choosing Saul and David to be anointed as Kings is the prerogative of the Lord. He bestows authority on them to govern in His name. Authority is not given by God for earthly gain and privilege. It is given to serve and dedicate their lives for others and to be in favour of the Lord.
