2nd Week in Ordinary Time (II) : Tuesday 20th January 2026

One by one, the sons of Jesse came before Samuel. Each one was rugged, handsome, and in the eyes of Samuel, God’s obvious choice to be anointed king. But God did not choose any one of them. God does not judge by outward appearances but reads the depths of human hearts. Finally, the youngest is brought forward – David. He was the one; God chose him. He was anointed king, and the Spirit of God was upon and within him. David was far from perfect, but he was always dear in the eyes of God. We are told throughout the Bible not to judge by outward appearances, for these judgments are usually distorted or wrong. We need to see spiritually, and that we do so with humility, prayer and reflection.

The Pharisees were upset because the hungry Apostles were picking grain on the Sabbath. But Jesus stressed the priority of human need and pointed to an example from Sacred Scriptures. The well-being of people has far greater value than mere observance of religious laws. We do not worship rules; we worship the living God. Rules, customs, and so on are to help us on the journey, but there are times in which they can be set aside for the good of souls.

PRAYER:  Lord, give me spiritual insight, especially to the urgent needs of marginalised people.