The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our experiences of being called to serve others, especially when it was difficult and without affirmation for our efforts.
Called to Serve
The reading from the First Book of Samuel describes Saul being chosen to be King.
* [10:1] The sign: the role of the new ruler is confirmed by specific signs; cf. Ex 7:9.1
Psalm 21 is a thanksgiving for victory.
* [Psalm 21] The first part of this royal Psalm is a thanksgiving (Ps 21:2–8), and the second is a promise that the king will triumph over his enemies (Ps 21:9–13). The king’s confident prayer (Ps 21:3–5) and trust in God (Ps 21:8) enable him to receive the divine gifts of vitality, peace, and military success. Ps 21:14 reprises Ps 21:2. When kings ceased in Israel after the sixth century B.C., the Psalm was sung of a future Davidic king.2
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls Levi.
* [2:14] As he passed by: see note on Mk 1:16–20. Levi, son of Alphaeus: see note on Mt 9:9. Customs post: such tax collectors paid a fixed sum for the right to collect customs duties within their districts. Since whatever they could collect above this amount constituted their profit, the abuse of extortion was widespread among them. Hence, Jewish customs officials were regarded as sinners (Mk 2:16), outcasts of society, and disgraced along with their families. He got up and followed him: i.e., became a disciple of Jesus.3
David Crawford recalls when Fred Rogers, the Presbyterian minister best known for his children’s television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was in New York City and encountered one young man whose appearance and language suggested he was street tough and perhaps even dangerous. Mister Rogers expressed that it was obvious that this young man had a lot of pain in his life, and seeing Mister Rogers brought joy as the young man recalled fond memories from his childhood.
It can be tempting, albeit subconsciously, to align with the Pharisees, dismissing “tax collectors and sinners” as I judge the actions of others and expect God to judge them in the same way. I can forget what Jesus told Nicodemus (a Pharisee): God sent his Son not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). I can forget Paul’s reminder that all have sinned – including and especially me – and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), or the admonition of Jesus to take the log out of my own eye before addressing the speck in another’s (Matthew 7: 4-5). I can forget that God desires that all should be saved (I Timothy 2:4), even those whose actions I find appalling or those who don’t believe that they merit God’s love.4
Don Schwager quotes “No physician can avoid the arena of sickness,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD).
"When Jesus is attacked for mixing with sinners, and taking as his disciple a despised tax collector, one might ask: What could he possibly gain by doing so? (Luke 15:2) Only the salvation of sinners. To blame Jesus for mingling with sinners would be like blaming a physician for stooping down over suffering and putting up with vile smells in order to heal the sick." (excerpt from ORATION 45, ON HOLY EASTER 26)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 2:13-17 comments on Matthew, a tax collector who had presumably lived in a manner opposed to God, choosing to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. But the rich young man, (Mark 10:17-31) who has conscientiously followed the commandments his entire life, hesitates and walks away.
What can we take from this? First, even if we have followed the Lord faithfully for years, he is continually calling us into a deeper relationship with him. Just as he wanted to move the rich young man further on in his faith, so he wants to move us along in our walk of discipleship. There is never a time in our lives when we can safely say, “Okay, I have arrived and will now stay here at this point in my friendship with God.” Second, God is always calling us, so we need to be on the alert at all times. We need to be ready, listening, and poised to act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit and do whatever God is asking of us. Because while discipleship begins with a call, it doesn’t end there. And for that we should give praise to God! “Jesus, thank you for calling me on in my walk with you. Help me to hear you and respond.”6
Friar Jude Winkler explains how the anointing of Saul makes him a messiah. Levi, also known as Matthew, worked as a collaborator with the Roman conquerors. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus sees the hurt that needs healing as He brings healing.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares the work of a Catholic writer about the new cosmology, Judy Cannato (1949–2011), who suggests a practice of being on the “receiving end” of Love, which is essential to participating in the trinitarian flow. She encourages readers to practice receiving love from both God and people in our lives.
Try this exercise: sit quietly and bring to mind those who care for you—in the present and in the past. As you recall each person, receive the love that is there for you. Let it into your heart. Even if someone has a quirky way of showing love, receive the love. Sift through the dysfunction if you have to, but receive the love. Never mind if the person has never said, “I love you.” Receive the love, one by one. Hold all that love in your heart. Let it penetrate your whole being. How does it feel to consciously, intentionally receive all of that love? Can you allow that to sustain your journey for today?7
As we meditate on the Love we have received, we are energized by the Spirit to renew our efforts to love when our efforts do not receive immediate affirmation.
References
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