Daily Retreat 01/14/06

2006 Jan 14 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM

1 Sm 9: 1-4. 17-19; 10: 1/ Ps 20(21): 2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Mk 2: 13-17

From today’s readings: "There was no other son of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people.... Lord, in your strength the king is glad..... Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners .."

God's Choices are always good

Understandably, our perception of Saul is clouded by our awareness of his future failings (such as his jealousy of David) and the disastrous end of his life. However, in the first reading, Saul is introduced in a most flattering manner, as "head and shoulders" above everyone else. In spite of his future disobedience and pathetic phobia, Saul was still chosen by God to be the first king of the chosen people.

Whenever God calls someone to a mission of service, God gives the wherewithal to faithfully fulfill the vocation. This was certainly true in Saul's case - his stalwart lineage, lofty stature, courage, handsome composure and other strengths made him an ideal kingly candidate. So Saul's failings will prove to be his own fault - he cannot complain that God demanded more of him than he was suited for.

You and I need to bear in mind this same insight: God has intentionally equipped you with the talents and strength (internal and external) necessary to faithfully fulfill His vocation for you. For past, present, and future failings, we cannot get off the hook by complaining that God asks too much of us; rather, in moments of failure, we need to re- discover the depth of character which God saw in us when He called us to the challenges of our vocation, and ask Him to help us anew to live up to the dignity of our calling!