2nd Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Tuesday 16th January 2024

The Lord entrusted Samuel to find a replacement for Saul who was no longer fit to lead. So Samuel, awakened by the Lord and realising his undue attachment to Saul and fear of him, rose to choose and anoint a leader among the diverse siblings of the Jesse family in Bethlehem.

Guided by his trust in the Lord, Samuel picked and anointed David. The anointing of David breathes new hope in leadership, and indicates that the Spirit of the Lord is with him.

In the Gospel, we witness the contrasting manner in which the Sabbath rite is lived by  Jesus and the Pharisees. The difference is so apparent. The Pharisees are led by a strict abiding to the rite without the life-giving spirit of Sabbath. They would rather mete out punishment than foster life to the hungry. When the Sabbath becomes an end, it is a crime to lift up a limb to feed hungry mouths. Hope is dashed. Jesus criticized such hypocrisy. He reminded them that King David took the offerings meant for priests in the House of God to feed his hungry men.

Sabbath, therefore, must not be manipulated to subject needy people to adhere to a ritual under duress. In needy times, people must see hope in leaders who empower them to benefit from the things of God. Jesus’ compassionate response makes clear that in dire situations, instilling hope is a devout duty.

Lord, help us to sow seeds of hope in every needy situation.