Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
In the spiritual life, not unlike the world of sports, not everyone who starts off well will continue so, nor are those who start off poorly doomed to failure. The question constantly arises, will I listen to the Lord today?
Saul begins well. He honors his father (thus listening to a key commandment) by going to search for the lost donkeys. A major inconvenience, since the search passes through multiple territories (this is no ‘Can you stop by the store this afternoon?’ errand…). Yet, Saul does not complain or refuse. He obeys. Likewise, when he encounters the prophet of the Lord, he does all that Samuel tells him. So far so good. Yet, we know that Saul’s downfall will come from disobedience, even after he seemed so established as a ‘successful’ king.
By contrast Levi (St. Matthew) does not get off to a good start. He does not listen to the Lord who warns against exploiting the poor for financial gain, and takes up a career of doing just that as a tax collector for the Romans. Yet, just when he seemed so established as a failure in the realm of justice and obedience, the day came when Christ called him. And that was the day he listened. Matthew’s healing and rehabilitation will come from that obedience.
Let us ask in prayer, today, and each day, will I listen to the Lord today? Will I obey the God who created me, laid down His life for me, rose again for me, and calls me out of love to share His love? Will I trust the Lord today?