DIRECT-IONS

“The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said, ‘Not so! There must be a king over us.’ ” –1 Samuel 8:19

Mass Readings: January 12
First: 1 Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Resp: Psalm 89:16-19; Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Listen to the Mass Readings

Samuel had been a great leader of Israel; however, his sons did not follow his example (1 Sm 8:5). Therefore, they would not have been good leaders for Israel. Then who would lead Israel?

The most direct answer to this problem would have been for Samuel’s sons to change their lives for the Lord. But the Israelites assumed that Samuel’s sons would not convert. So Israel decided to institute a pagan form of government, a kingdom (1 Sm 8:5).

We live in a culture of death where millions are destroyed through abortion, euthanasia, racism, starvation, and other gross injustices. We have tried to deal with these catastrophes by changing the government, media, medical institutions, and other aspects of our society. This is certainly part of God’s will. Nonetheless, the direct way of changing the culture of death is to give our lives to Jesus and to lead parents, abortionists, and medical personnel to conversion.

If your marriage is in trouble, your job is intolerable, your family is in chaos, your finances are in shambles, or your hopes shattered, the most direct solution to your difficulties is nothing other than conversion to Christ. Live totally for Jesus. Invite others to do the same.

PRAYER: Father, may I assume Your grace of salvation is sufficient (see 2 Cor 12:9).
PROMISE: “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven.’ ” —Mk 2:5
PRAISE: St Marguerite earned the title of Co-foundress of the Church of Canada by ministering to the young women of Quebec.