Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s reading from the First Book of Samuel presents a bit of history. The Chosen People are trying to establish themselves in the Holy Land. But the land was already occupied by a people called the Philistines. War between the two peoples was the unfortunate result.
In the first battle between the opposing armies, the Philistines are victorious. This throws the Israelites in turmoil. Why had not the Lord given them victory? Have they been unfaithful to God?
The story takes an interesting turn. The most important religious object for the Chosen People was the Ark of the Covenant. It had been created by Moses himself. It was a small, decorated box that contained, among other things, the two tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them.
The ark was important. It had been carried from Mount Sinai. It was used in the conquest of Jericho. Now it is housed in the temple at Shiloh. Why not carry it into the battle with the Philistines? The Lord would give them victory!
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Israel lost. “It was a disastrous defeat” (4:10). Worse yet: the very Ark of the Covenant had been captured and carried off by the Philistines.
How could this happen? Our reading does not give us the answer. But there is a hint in the last sentence where we read: “Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas [priests of the temple at Shiloh] were among the dead.”
I invite you to read I Samuel 2: 11-26. There these two sons are described as “worthless fellows, who did not acknowledge the Lord.” They were selfish and abusive. If priests are bad, suffering and defeat and death will follow.
Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections