Breaking the Word

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 17^th January 2024—1 Sam 17,32-33.37.40-51; Mark 3,1-6

Fight in Defense of God

The first reading presents the famous story of David facing the giant Goliath. Goliath was a fearsome and experienced warrior who was fully armed and ready for battle. Day after day he challenged the Israelites to send out one of their men to take him on in single combat. David, on the other hand, was a young and inexperienced shepherd boy. From a human point of view, David had no chance against Goliath. However, the actions and words of David reveal the depths of his faith in God and his love for God. He was zealous in the defense of God and would not stand still while Goliath committed the sin of blasphemy. David trusted completely in the Lord. This will be an essential qualification for a king who will rule in God’s name, a qualification which stands in strong contrast to Saul’s loss of faith. David, too, appeals to his experience as a shepherd, where God had protected him from wild animals and now, would save him from the clutches of Goliath. David’s victory against Goliath comes through his humility of heart, confidence in God, and obedience to God’s word. His victory proves not so much about his courage and skill, but the protection of God who was choosing him to be the leader of His people.

2^nd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 16^th 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.