Theme: Virtue of Obedience displays the real character of person.
Scripture reading: 1 Sam 15:16-23; Ps 49:8-9,16,17,21,23; Mk 2:18-22
The first reading from the Book of Samuel tells us the rejection of Saul as a king by God. The reason is just mentioned in one sentence. Saul disobeyed God. He was asked to fight against the Amalekites and kill everyone including the king, soldiers, men-women, children, sheep and oxen. Saul disobeys God’s voice. He allows his men to take the best sheep and oxen. He brings Agag, the king of Amalekites to his town. These reasons are seen on the peripheral level. There were others reasons too which shows true character of Saul. Let us look at some of them.
When Samuel questioned why did he disobey God’s voice? Saul never showed any repentance over his disobedience. He was very proud. He had no God in him. Since he was tall and handsome; being the Bejaminites, he was good in military skills. They knew how to use swords with left hands. He was puffed up with his skills. He became self-centered. The sin of pride had eaten up his conscience. Secondly, he had created a monument of himself at Carmel. He did not feel ashamed and sorry for what he had done but rather boasted in his own glory. Thirdly, he never considered himself that he was belonged to God. While talking to Samuel, he refers to God as “your God”. It shows that he never considered himself belonged to God. Lastly, he put the whole blame on the people (soldiers) and portrayed himself as obedient to God. He pretended to bring sheep and oxen to offer sacrifices to God. He tried to cover his sins under the wasted religiosity. God rejected Saul for his disobedience along with his self-centered, rebellious and stubborn heart. [The irony of his life is that he was killed by the Amalekites.]
In the Gospel, Jesus draws our attention to his obedience. While talking to the scribes, he tells them that his disciples would fast when he (Bridegroom) will be taken away. Jesus tells them what would be his future suffering and death in the phrase “taken away”. Jesus became humble to the extent of dying for us. He did not build any monument but his crucifixion is a sign of salvation for eternity. In which, he didn’t not spare a single drop of blood in his body but offered himself completely to the mission of His father. The perfect execution of mission. He called God, “Father, into your hand I commend my spirit”. He showed how deeply united He was with God, the father.
Saul and Jesus had everything in common like kingship, mission, God’s presence in life. It was only obedience made the difference. Their obedience showed their true character. May be find joy in obeying commands of Our loving God in our lives.
Fr. Alex D’Mello
