2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) : Monday 17th January 2022

In speaking to Saul, prophet Samuel clarifies that he must obey God since God made Saul king. As Samuel says, “obedience is better than sacrifice”. Therefore, when Saul spared Agag and the best of the Amalekite’s spoils, he disobeyed God. However, Saul himself is arrogantly confident that he obeyed God’s commandments, “I did obey the voice of the Lord”. But he did not. From now on, Saul’s rule begins to take a downward course.

The Jewish leaders questioned Jesus about the fasting style of his disciples. In response, Jesus asks them, “Why fast while the bridegroom is at the wedding?” Here, Jesus draws on the image of the wedding feast, which was often referred to as “God’s presence with His people”, and fasting was seen as a preparation for God’s coming. Since the kingdom of God is now present in the person of Jesus, the guests need not fast. Instead, when he is “taken away”, that is when the guests will fast, until he returns in glory by his death.

Christians believe that they know best God’s commandments and what it means to live in obedience to God. Therefore, they may tend to overlook their own sins or judge others whom they deem to be “sinners”. The Scripture readings remind us that our way of judging ourselves and others is not the same as God’s. It is stated in the psalm, “Do you think that I am like you?” Let us become more aware of this and leave the judgement of “sinners” to God.

Lord, help me be obedient to You.