RBWords

     The prophet Samuel had a tough task.  He had to find somebody to take the place of Saul as King of Israel!!  His boss, God, was being very picky.  Samuel had to go to Bethlehem (does that sound familiar?) to the home of Jesse because God said one of Jesse's boys would be the chosen one.  Of course, Samuel had to go through all of them before it occurred to Jesse that there was one more, the youngest, out tending sheep!  (Consider that image, too!).  Sure enough, David was the one!  The others were impressive, but God chose the least and gave all spiritual directors and pastors some very good advice:  Do not judge from appearances!!!!  Try to see into the heart!!

     Jesus' "Davidic" lineage was very important at the time the gospels were written.  The first scriptures for Mass this week will give us a nutshell of texts that served the purpose of establishing his identity.  Remember that Joseph took the very pregnant Mary to Bethlehem for the census because "he was of the house and family of David."  David will give us lots to think about.

     Right now, that advice to Samuel and anyone else engaged in discernment for leadership or spiritual direction is worth our consideration.  Many has been the time that I have participated in a process for choosing Dominican leadership.  I'm tempted to call this process, "Jesus need not apply.." because the expectations expressed by the process seem impossible for one person to meet.  On another level, I have observed students who seemed to be the life of the party who then came into my office thoroughly miserable with their lives!!!  It is not easy to get into another person's heart.  We can be glad of that even as we can worry about our choice for someone to be a leader or how we can be of help to the person if they hide their heart all too well.  Prayer and wisdom are the channels for God's instruction.  What, or who, may seem to be the least important may turn out to be the key!!  AMEN