Day 109: A heart of obedience

1 Samuel 15:1-35 Saul defeated the Amalekites, but in doing so he sinned against God. The Lord had directed him to destroy everything of the Amalekites, but Saul allowed the Israelites to keep some of the spoils of the battle. For this disobedience, God rejected Saul as King of Israel even though he, after some protest, finally admitted his sin. Such contrition was likely imperfect, i.e., based more on regret of the consequences of sin rather than the offense it caused God. (CCC 1453, 1492, 1964)


Ch 16:1-13 David was chosen by God as King of Israel to succeed Saul. He was a prototype of a king “after God’s own heart,” and his royal line would lead directly to the Incarnation of the Son of God, the Messiah. Though he had moral flaws, David was generally well disposed to doing God’s will and being faithful to God’s covenant. He would become known as Israel’s greatest king. (CCC 436, 695, 2579) 


Psalm 61 This Messianic psalm is brief but powerful. It is not clear whether the psalmist here was in exile, living far from Jerusalem, or even close to death; nevertheless, his desire was to be in the presence of God by visiting the Temple. Its mention of an ideal king who would reign forever reflects the Jewish hope and expectation of a king who would return Israel to its former glory (vv. 6-8); this prophecy was fulfilled in Christ, who will rule for “all generations” and “be enthroned forever before God.” 


Let me dwell in your tent forever: The tent, or Tabernacle, is the Temple and its sanctuary. These words at the same time transcend any earthly temple and point to the Temple of Christ’s Body. 


Shelter of your wings: This signifies God’s loving protection, possibly another reference to the cherubs in the Holy of Holies, whose wings extend over the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat of God’s Presence. (CCC 1125, 1575)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)



Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of the rams. (1 Sam 15:22)



A New King

(*Walking With God: A Journey Through The Bible by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins)


Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of the rams. (1 Sam 15:22)



Prayer by Fr. Mike: “Father in Heaven we give you praise and thanks. We just give you glory today. And we just honor you for who you are and all that you’ve done. We give you thanks, not only for calling us to be yours, but also for being so patient with us even in our disobedience, Lord. There are consequences to our sins. There are consequences to us saying NO. And yet, you continue to give us mercy. You continue to restore us. You continue to be with us. In our weakness, you are strong. In our faithlessness, you are faithful. And so we praise you and we honor you and we love you. Thank you so much. May you be praised, glorified, and loved all the more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”