1st Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 15th January 2022

This is the story of Saul’s anointing as King of the people of Israel. As Saul was out looking for some donkeys that had wandered away, he came across Samuel, who was known as a seer or a prophet. As soon as Samuel saw Saul, God told him that Saul was the person to rule over Israel.

Samuel told Saul to stay overnight, and in the morning, Samuel would tell Saul all that was on his mind. The next day Samuel anointed Saul as the first King of Israel. Samuel had listened to the Lord and had followed his instructions.

In much the same way as the fishermen followed Jesus, so too did Levi, the tax collector. Tax collectors and other sinners were considered impure under the Law, so it was a concern for the scribes and the Pharisees, who were very strict about following the Law. They did not think Jesus should be associating with such sinners. Jesus responded to the questions the scribes asked his disciples by saying that he had been sent to minister to sinners as the righteous didn’t see their need for him.

Lord, open my eyes that I may always know my need for You.