Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s readings, we see that it is not by action alone that we please God, but by the desire behind the action. The Psalm says, “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always.” And further, “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” In the first reading, Samuel rebukes Saul because he took from the spoil to sacrifice to the LORD, but this is not what was asked of him. He was to put all things under the ban of destruction thus removing the sinful people from their midst. He was to trust in God and to be obedient to him, for “obedience is better than sacrifice.”
Throughout our lives, we must listen to what it is that God is calling us to and respond with our whole hearts. We must remove sinfulness from our hearts, give Him our whole lives, and not hold on to anything for our own selfish needs. God, in His selfless love, gave us His Son to bring us into relationship with this very love. We are transformed by His love, which gives us the strength to live for him, and to become the “upright” people who are shown the saving power of God.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections