The tall hero and the shady operator

Today’s readings describe God’s call of two very different people who would follow very different paths.

In the first reading (excerpted mostly from 1 Samuel 9), a tall and handsome man named Saul is anointed to be the first King of Israel.

In the Gospel (Mark 2:13-17), our Lord calls a reviled customs official named Levi to be one of his disciples.

Saul would go on to stray from the Lord and would die in defeat by his own hand.

Levi, also known as Matthew, would go on to become one of the Twelve Apostles, a foundation stone of the Church.

It is a reminder for us not to judge by appearances, nor to let anything keep us as individuals from striving to be instruments of God’s grace.

Whether we have many admirable qualities or many regrettable weaknesses (miserere mei, Domine) or a mix of both, it is God’s grace that purifies us and makes us successful in the things that really matter.

Let us be strong in Him and serve Him well.