“When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord assured him, ‘This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people,'” the word says.
Now did God appear or speak in an audible voice, or did Samuel have a vision?
As usual, the word is not very clear about that.
But what is clear is that when Samuel saw Saul, he knew, “This is him!”
And he had what one might call “God-assuredness.”
+Jesus walked around with the same “God-assuredness” all of the time and did strikingly “just right” things all of the time — not unlike Baby Bear.
And when questioned or commented upon by others, he knew exactly what to say to them.
His doing was teaching, but when necessary, he used words to explain (not unlike the saying attributed to Sr. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary use words”).
Ah yes! Jesus taught by example, then commented on his example-teaching with words; they were often quite provocative.
Imagine, Jesus touched the untouchables. Jesus entered the houses and ate with those considered as sinners.
But Jesus also explained why!
Jesus put it this way, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
And there’s that word “call” again.
And to be sure, the sinners knew with all their heart that Jesus was calling them and loving them into goodness.
The fact that Jesus did it in spite of all those who criticized his words and actions gave the perfect proof.
Jesus never backed down. Jesus always spoke out.
Jesus loved. And many felt his call.
Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.
