Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Over the past year, I have enjoyed viewing the series “The Chosen.” This series follows the gospels and focuses on the lives of those who had been chosen by Jesus to follow Him. The creators use some creative license to bring to life these people who lived and traveled with Jesus long ago. One point that is emphasized throughout the series is the idea that all are called- even those who seem unworthy or undeserving. Today’s scripture readings highlight this same theme of being chosen. Saul and Levi are both called by God to follow God’s will for them. We are also being called by God to follow. Are we listening and are we able to say “yes” to that call?
In the first reading, Saul is a “handsome young man” and he stood “head and shoulders above the people.” Samuel hears God tell him, “This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people.” Samuel shares God’s anointing with Saul and places Saul as the “commander over his heritage.” God chooses Saul to govern His people and protect them from their enemies.
In the gospel reading, Jesus tells Levi, “Follow me.” Levi responds immediately, and invites Jesus to dine at his home with other tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees question Jesus’ choice of dining with those who were outcast and deemed less worthy. Jesus explains that those in need of healing and mercy are the ones that Jesus chooses to include in His fold. These people recognize their need for forgiveness, and Jesus promises that they will not be turned away. The righteous ones who are unable to see their need for mercy do not understand Jesus’ plan for salvation. Jesus chooses the meek, the lowly, the outcast, the foreigner, and rejected, and He gathers them into the kingdom of love.
Each of us is called by Christ to follow. There are many challenges to answering this call. First of all, we must have ears to ear. If we are not attentive to hearing God’s voice in our lives, then we will not be able to recognize when God is speaking. Secondly, we need to understand our need for God’s love and forgiveness in our lives. When we are aware of our sinfulness and weakness, it is easier for us to surrender our lives to God’s mercy and love. Finally, we require God’s wisdom and courage to follow where God is calling us to go. This discernment of how we are being chosen to follow requires prayer, devotion to scripture, sacraments, and the support of a loving faith community. We are chosen to follow together as the Body of Christ. It is the community of believers that is best able to live out the gospel that Jesus sends us forth to share. Being chosen is not just a personal walk of faith, but we are encouraged to invite others to the banquet, so they can also know that they are chosen and loved as well.
Loving God, You choose each of us to follow You. Help us to hear Your voice and recognize our need for Your mercy and protection. May Your Spirit bring us together as we follow Your Son, so we can bring your healing and renewal to the world around us. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline