Obedience is better

When it comes to religious devotions, some of us are very, well, devoted.

But devotion to religious practices is not enough.

In today’s first reading (1 Samuel 15:16-23), the King of Israel has offered extra sacrifices to the Lord, but to do that, he had to break the Lord’s own command.

The words of Samuel are clear.

Does the LORD so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as in obedience to the command of the LORD?

Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission than the fat of rams.

We need to be faithful in our worship, devotions, and other religious practices.

But most importantly, we need to be obedient to the Lord in everything we do and say.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.