Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Before the Israelite people had kings, they were led by judges, individuals that the Lord empowered for leadership. They came from different tribes and backgrounds. For instance, Samson’s parents were childless in their old age until the Lord answered their prayers, Jephthah was rejected by his own family as illegitimate, and Samuel was consecrated to priestly service as a child. These judges were specifically chosen by the Lord and empowered with the Spirit to be his representatives who would lead the Chosen People, especially during times of hardship and war. In asking for a king instead of judges, the people rejected the Lord’s way of leadership, even doing so in the face of the holy judge and priest Samuel. Rather than waiting for the Lord to choose and empower a representative whom the people could not anticipate, they wanted a consistent leader in a stable situation, not realizing that these kings would see themselves as rulers rather than representatives of the true Ruler.
At times we find ourselves under the influence of powerful or charismatic individuals, but we cannot let ourselves forget that God is the true King and that we owe our lives to Him.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections