God's Chooses the Least Likely to Succeed

Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time

The reading from the First Book of Samuel reminds us that God does not always make the obvious choice. The Scriptures are full of instances in which God chooses someone who seems to be less capable of achieving God’s desired outcome. Jesse parades his seven oldest sons before Samuel who realizes that God has not chosen any of them to be the king of Israel. God’s choice falls upon David, the youngest and smallest of the sons of Jesse.

This reading is a reminder that God does not need anything from us. God did not create us because he needed our help. We were not created to be servants. God’s purpose in all of creation was to show us love. This is precisely why God so often chooses small nations, powerless individuals, and younger sons to carry out God’s will. By doing so, God demonstrates desire rather than need.

This sentiment is echoed in the Gospel text for today. Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” God doesn’t need our Sunday worship or observance of the Sabbath; rather, God knows that these observances are necessary for our development and flourishing. Much as a loving parents will ensure that their children are properly fed and clothed, God cares about our obedience which leads us to a situation of well-being.

In the Eucharist, we fulfill Christ’s command to his disciples; namely, that we celebrate the Eucharist in memory of him. Our celebration offers our gratitude to him, but more importantly it allows Jesus to feed and strengthen us. Our God is a loving Savior sacrifices himself for our sake. He asks only one thing from us: that we let him serve, protect, and to save us.