Memorial, St. Agnes, virgin and martyr

by Food For Thought on January 21, 2014

The first reading is about the anointing of David by Samuel the prophet. At this time Saul was still the king of Israel but Yahweh God had rejected him. So He chooses David to be his successor. David was still taking care of the sheep when God singles him out from among his brothers and commands Samuel to anoint him. After his anointing the Lord was with David in whatever he did until he becomes king of Israel. This is what happens to a person specifically chosen by God for a special task/responsibility. God gives him emotional and spiritual strength, and in David’s case, even physical strength. He consoles him in his sufferings, inspires his to do great deeds and corrects him when goes astray. David experienced all these because he found favor in God’s eyes. Those whom the Lord loves are blessed indeed. God does many things for them so that they in turn can do many things for others and for God.

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St. Agnes

1 Samuel 16:1-13
View Readings

Psalm 89:20-22, 27-28

Mark 2:23-28
Similar Reflections

THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP

"Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David." —1 Samuel 16:13

The Lord told Samuel to end his pity-party and go raise up a new leader for God's people (1 Sm 16:1). We also need to raise up new Christian leaders.

Samuel replied to the Lord: "How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me" (1 Sm 16:2). When we focus on the Holy Spirit and leadership, we will be a threat to the devil, and we too will be in danger.

The Lord promised Samuel: "I Myself will tell you what to do" (1 Sm 16:3). When we obey the Lord, we will quickly crush Satan under our feet (Rm 16:19-20).

The Lord told Samuel to anoint not those who appeared to be leaders but the one chosen by the Lord (1 Sm 16:7). Likewise, the Lord chooses as leaders today "the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something" (1 Cor 1:28).

Don't waste your time worrying and complaining. Spend your time praying for the Holy Spirit to be stirred into flame (2 Tm 1:6) in the lives of simple, grassroots leaders. No matter what Satan does to discourage or intimidate you, keep obeying the Lord and inviting people to receive the fullness of the Spirit in their lives. By continually praying for as many leaders as possible to receive the Spirit, you will join the Spirit in renewing the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, give us several new Pentecosts and new leaders in Christ.

Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." —Mk 2:28

Praise: St. Agnes is said to have been more joyful at her martyrdom than the most exultant brides have been at their weddings.