Saturday 23rd January – Saturday of week 2 of the year
Reflection: 2 Samuel 1: 1-4, 11-12, 17, 19, 23-27
WHY WE FAILED
Why do certain people; who had enjoyed fame and wealth in their prime, end abruptly and unhappy? Why do extravagant weddings, too often, end in devastating divorce? Why do the science prodigies; born into wealth homes, end in rehab for drug addiction? Why do people suddenly fail? Saul; the most handsome man in the whole of Israel at that time, was most fit by any human standard to rule as king. After he was anointed as king of Israel, he succeeded in many battles and had his kingdom secured; until his story changed.
In his impatience at Gilgal; he would not wait seven days for Samuel’s return as instructed (1 Samuel 13: 8-11). In his ill-charity, he starved six hundred of his men in mad pursuit of revenge and swore to execute his son, Jonathan, who bravely invaded the enemy camp trusting God (1 Samuel 14: 24, 29-32). His jealousy of David’s victory led him to murder Ahimelech, the priest, and his family over allegations of consulting God on David’s behalf (1 Samuel 22: 17). For his disobedience to God’s commands and obstinacy, he was rejected as king of Israel (1 Samuel 15: 17-19, 26). With his hands; he destroyed his kingdom, and with his spear; he killed himself. Truly, God exalts the lowly and brings down the proud.
Friend, when constant success becomes abrupt failure, remember, God is the giver of every Gift. It is only in our union with God that we can be sure of fulfillment and peace; even in cloudy days. Turn back to God today, and find true success in Him.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, as I work today keep me connected to you. Amen.
KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 125 – What is unique about the People of God?
In the midst of all the peoples on earth, there is one people that is like no other. It is subject to no one but God alone. It is supposed to be like salt, which adds flavor; like yeast, which permeates everything; like light, which drives away the darkness. Anyone who belongs to the People of God must count on coming into conflict with people who deny God’s existence and disregard his commandments. In the freedom of the children of God, however, we have nothing to fear, not even death.
HIDE A TREASURE: “You give it to them, and they gather it up; you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face; they vanish, you take away their breath; they expire and return to dust. When you send forth your spirit; they are created, and the face of the earth is renewed”. Psalm 104: 28-30 RSV-CE
Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 1: 1-4, 11-12, 17. 19. 23-27; Psalm 79; Mark 3: 20-21.
Tag Archives: disobedience
DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS REJECTION
Monday 18th January – Monday of Week 2 of the Year
Reflection: 1 Samuel 15:16-23
DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS REJECTION
“Because you rejected the Lord’s command, He has rejected you as King” 1 Sam 16:23
Today’s reflections has more eternal consequences than we may have imagined. It is something which affects our daily lives as Christians who are eager to please God. God trains us his beloved children to wholeheartedly follow his dictates, to trust his designs and judgment. This he puts to us by giving us his word in every situation we find ourselves. How great would it be if we never consider our senses and intuition when obeying God. Disobedience brings rejection, Obedience aligns our sacrifice to God’s will. (Is 1:19)
Today’s first reading shows us an example of a “partial” obedience to God’s command. King Saul and his men wanted to apply human wisdom to compliment God’s commands but didn’t know that it was out of place. This made Saul to be rejected as King by God (1Samuel 15:23b). Sometimes, our good intentions towards a plan can be opposed to God’s will and purpose. The Scriptures says that His ways are not ours and what seems to be Gods foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. (1 Cor 1:25). Therefore, our love for God must be unison with obedience to his commands. We must pray for grace to follow this part of self-denial and total surrender his word.
As we continue our journey in this year of Mercy, let us be conscious of our deeds and actions and humbly ask God to lead us and make us walk in his love. Let us not forget that it is our love for God that gives us an unconditional obedience to his commands as Christ tells us: “if you love me you would obey my commandments” (John 14:15). This love is what St. Paul gives as the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 13:3). Beloved, rejection by God while on earth can still meet with God’s mercy by our reconciling with him but we must be ready always for the last day so that we do not hear the words: “I never knew you, Get away from me, you wicked people” (Matt. 7:23b).
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to know what pleases you and grant prompt obedience without any reservation to your commands. Amen
KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 67 – What is sin?
At the core of sin is a rejection of God and the refusal to accept his love. This is manifested in a disregard for his commandments.
HIDE A TREASURE: “It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep to him”. 1 Samuel 15:22b GNB
Today’s Readings: 1 Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16c-17, 21&23; Mark 2:18-22
Catholic Devotional for Youth 