In today’s First Reading the prophet Samuel has certain expectations for what the new king of Israel will be like. He’s expecting another Saul, someone tall and strong, with a great presence and bold spirit. One by one he sees the qualities of each of Jesse’s sons (except one), but the Lord doesn’t choose any of them, because he sees the heart, not just appearances. The Lord knows who he is going to pick, but by going through every son of Jesse but the last he is reminding Samuel, and us, not to judge by appearances nor expect our appearances to mean anything to him. In the end the Lord chooses little David, seen as so insignificant that he was sent to do chores while his father and brothers focused on more important things, and who became a great king.
When we’re interested in a job we focus a lot on externals–our personal presentation, the polish of our resume, how to show we’d be a good fit–but if we’re truly interested in our lives, which go beyond a job, we have to focus on our hearts, because that’s what the Lord sees, and that’s what the Lord cares about above all, not just for his glory, but for our good. We can fudge a little to try and get a better job or recognition, but the Lord sees us in our hearts exactly as we are. That can be a source of anxiety or a source of strength, depending on how we see our own heart.
Ask Our Lord today what he thinks of your heart: it’s a chance for great consolation and great conversion.
Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 89:20–22, 27–28; Mark 2:23–28. See also 15th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday and 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday.