Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
In yesterday’s reading from First Samuel, we heard how God told the prophet Samuel to choose a king for Israel. Today’s reading describes how Samuel carried out this divine directive.
We are introduced to the figure of Saul. While he is searching for some lost sheep of his father, he runs into the prophet Samuel. Samuel is told by the Lord that this is the one who has been chosen to be the first king of Israel.
Samuel spontaneously takes a flask of oil and pours it on Saul’s head, declaring that “The Lord anoints you commander over his heritage.”
Anointing with oil is both a human and a religious practice. As a human practice, it heals and enhances the human body. Ointments, sometimes enhanced by spices, also add to bodily attractiveness. As a religious practice, anointings can designate that this is a special person.
Centuries later, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the acclamations of the people who hailed him as their king.
But was Jesus really a king? Had he ever been anointed? Yes, shortly before his death, a certain woman did come up to Jesus and pour precious oil upon him. Yes, Jesus was anointed, in a way like Saul’s anointing.
But Jesus was a very special kind of king. He did not live in a palace with a lot of people attending to his needs. No, Jesus was a king who came to serve the needs of others. He was like a shepherd who cared for those who were injured or lame or hurt in any way.
What is the lesson for us? Christ has called us to share in his role as king. All of us were anointed at our baptism. The celebrant took oil on his fingers and said, “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”
May we imitate Jesus Christ as the Servant King.
Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections