The first Proclamation The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse .. for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.”... And the Lord said “.... Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” ... “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see, they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” .....
Prayerful Awareness “How can I go, Saul will hear of it and kill me” (vs. 2). By these words, Samuel who was called to do the prophetic function (vs. 1) expresses his inadequacy and thus shows reluctance to carry out the assignment. However, God persists and encourages Samuel with the words “I myself will tell you ...” (vs. 3)
A look at myself I too have been called to perform the prophetic function at my Baptism. Therefore God calls me today to perform prophetic functions. Do I hear His call? He does not call me by audible words but He calls me through events and situations of my life. Am I awake to hear these messages? Whenever I have heard these messages, haven’t I too shown my inadequacy or reluctance to carry out these messages? Haven’t I given excuses or even valid reasons, for not obeying God’s requests? Haven’t worldly involvements come between God and me, and prevented me from responding to God’s call? As we continue from verse 4, let us note, that Samuel ultimately was able to overcome the obstructions and his sense of inferiority complex and was able to obey God’s call and take up his mission. Samuel is now faced with the problem of ascertaining the Will of God, in the selection of the one to be anointed by God (vs. 3). Prophetic mission also entails finding the Will of God. Initially, Samuel is led by his intellect and logical reasoning. He thinks that God’s choice is Eliah, who appeared lofty in stature. But, God’s ways are not man’s ways. (vs. 7). Haven’t I too found it difficult to ascertain the Will of God even in matters pertaining to God? Very often, haven’t I too tended to depend heavily on facts and figures, and intellectual reasoning, in order to arrive at decisions. Yes I have to forego the satisfaction of acting in an intellectually satisfying manner. I have to permit myself to be led by the Spirit of God, just like how a blind man is led along the way - not being able to understand and see where I am going.
Prayer Starter “You are my Father, my God, the rock that brings me victory.” (Ps 89:26)
