One needs a big heart to forgive!

January 19, Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Daily readings: 1 Samuel 24:3–21,  Mark 3:13–19

The people anointed by God are special, however weak and sinful they are. Nobody has the authority to judge human beings. It is God’s work. The first reading challenges our human perceptions in many ways. Saul made numerous attempts to kill David out of jealousy, but the latter remained unfazed. Yet he received an opportunity to take revenge, but he didn’t dare to do that, even though many of his men advised him to finish Saul off.

Just to prove that David isn’t interested in taking revenge on Saul, he cut off a small piece of cloth from Saul’s cloak. David is deeply sorry for it and curses himself for it. Saul realizes his weaknesses and apologizes to David, who also vows to refrain from any such activities and strongly warns his followers. He gives expression to his lowliness, harmlessness and humility, calling himself “a dead dog" and "flea.” Finally, Saul realizes that the Lord is free to make his choice. He has indeed made up his mind to anoint David as the second king of Israel.

Jesus makes his choice in the Gospel reading of today. He calls whomever he wants. This is one of the most important moments of his mission. This chosen band of Twelve is going to be the foundation of the new covenant community he is going to form through his life and death. Jesus acts like Moses.

He goes up the mountain and calls his disciples. Jesus has the habit of going up to the mountain to pray and to be in the presence of God. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus tells his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should bear fruit” (John 15:16). St. Mark summarizes by saying, “He appointed the twelve.”

Their appointment indicates Jesus’ intention of creating a new Israel. They are like the link between Israel’s past and a solid foundation for the Church’s future. The men chosen by Jesus have different backgrounds and temperaments. Peter is an optimist, while Thomas is a pessimist. Simon the zealot wants to overthrow the Romans, and Matthew the tax collector voluntarily offers his tax-collection service to the Romans. Judas Iscariot looks for monetary gains in everything. He forms all those whom he calls with gentle, never-failing compassion.

The Holy Mother Church honors St. Canute, King and Martyr. He was deeply religious. The welfare of the people and the propagation of faith were his priorities. He was martyred at the altar during the Holy Eucharist.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Seeking God’s will and surrendering to Him totally will open the heavens in manifold ways. How much do I seek the will of God?