1st Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 18th January 2020

God works in a mysterious way. In the first reading, the mystery of God’s ways can be seen by the fact God chooses Saul to become the first king of Israel. Who is Saul? What qualities does he have to become king?

Besides the fact that he is a person of high rank, and that he is more handsome and taller than the rest of the people, there is nothing much else to suggest to qualify him for the role. He does not possess royal ties or qualities. Nor does he seem to have anything significant to do since he is sent on an errand by his father to look for some lost asses. After his search for the asses proves fruitless, he takes the easy way out to decide, to consult a seer to find the animals. Yet, he is the one chosen as king of Israel.

In the Gospel passage, there are question marks too. Why of all people does Jesus choose Levi as his disciple? After all, he is a tax collector. And worse, why is Jesus eating with those considered sinners. As a holy man, is this the type of disciples he chooses and the kind of company he keeps?

The message again is clear. God works in a mysterious way. Ultimately, we have to trust that God is in control. He chooses whom He wills and uses them as He wishes. Our role, like Samuel, is to be obedient to Him and do what He asks of us, and not be preoccupied with judging others.

Lord, help me to see Your Mysterious Working in the world.