Reflection for Tuesday, January 22, 2008: 2nd week in Ordinary Time.

Abstract

Many years ago, I heard a very familiar phrase: 'Father or Mother knows best.' I often wondered, how would they know what's best for me? As we grow older, we began to understand the meaning of such a statement due to life's experiences of victories as well as failures, but just imagine how much more God knows which includes everything. God is constantly reminding us that if we trust in him fully, that everything will be alright.||In I Sam 16:1-3, the nation of Israel was seeking for greater national stability, by asking for a king. Prior to this request, God had utilized Judges to govern his people, but like many of us today, they desired more. Sometimes God will grant our wishes or desires, even though it may not be what we need. It's so important for all of us to develop a close relationship with God so that we may know what is best for us to live in his will. God told Samuel to anoint Saul as King. With a spectacular victory over the Ammonites, Saul soon became a popular hero. Saul had other notable victories over the Philistines and the Amalekites, but in both cases his disobedience to God showed he was not fit to rule over God's people. As usual, God had a plan. David was the man God chose to succeed Saul as king.|In Mark 2:23-28, we find Jesus and his disciples passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, picking the ears of grain so that they might satisfy their hunger. The Pharisees reminded Jesus of their customs, that it was unlawful to perform their labors on the sabbath. They were so intent on their spiritual dainties, that they forgot even their necessary food. We must remember that the disciples were physically hungry, and needed to satisfy their need. Jesus responded by letting the Pharisees know that the sabbath was made for man to worship God, and not man for the Sabbath.|When we come to the realization that God is in full control of this world, and that he knows exactly what we need, then we can live fully in the perfect will of God. He has already made provisions for his people, and we should always do our best to share our blessings with those who are in need.