1st book of Samuel 9,1-4.17-19.10,1.
There was a stalwart man from Benjamin named Kish, who was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite. He had a son named Saul, who was a handsome young man. there was no other Israelite handsomer than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people. Now the asses of Saul's father, Kish, had wandered off. Kish said to his son Saul, "Take one of the servants with you and go out and hunt for the asses." Accordingly they went through the hill country of Ephraim, and through the land of Shalishah. Not finding them there, they continued through the land of Shaalim without success. They also went through the land of Benjamin, but they failed to find the animals. When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD assured him, "This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people." Saul met Samuel in the gateway and said, "Please tell me where the seer lives." Samuel answered Saul: "I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. In the morning, before dismissing you, I will tell you whatever you wish. Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul's head; he also kissed him, saying: "The LORD anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the LORD'S people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies round about. "This will be the sign for you that the LORD has anointed you commander over his heritage:
Psalms 21(20),2-3.4-5.6-7.
LORD, the king finds joy in your power; in your victory how greatly he rejoices!
You have granted him his heart's desire; you did not refuse the prayer of his lips. Selah
For you welcomed him with goodly blessings; you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever.
Great is his glory in your victory; majesty and splendor you confer upon him.
You make him the pattern of blessings forever, you gladden him with the joy of your presence.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 2,13-17.
Once again he went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard this and said to them (that), "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
THE DIFFERENCE
"There was no other Israelite handsomer than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people." –1 Samuel 9:2
Saul was the most handsome man in the entire nation of Israel. He was anointed king. This also made him the richest and most powerful man in the nation. Saul had so much going for him, yet committed suicide after years of being trapped in self-hatred (see 1 Sm 15:17), violence, and eventually the occult (see 1 Sm 28:8ff).
Levi was probably not as handsome, rich, or powerful as Saul, but he was very wealthy and influential in his position as a tax-collector. Like Saul, he was among the "shakers and the movers" in the worldly society. Like Saul, Levi was also trapped in sin. Unlike Saul, Levi did not come to a tragic end. Levi left his big job and big money to follow Jesus (Mk 2:14). The Spirit eventually inspired Levi (Matthew) to compile the opening Gospel in the New Testament. Finally, Jesus took Levi to be with Him forever in heaven.
Levi and Saul had much in common throughout their lives, but Levi ended in glory while Saul ended in despair and disgrace. The difference between these two men was repentance. Levi repented and Saul did not. That made all the difference in this world and in the next. Repent!
No comments:
Post a Comment