Second Monday of Ordinary Time

"Does the LORD so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the LORD? Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams. For a sin like divination is rebellion, and presumption is the crime of idolatry. Because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he, too, has rejected you as ruler."

Sometimes it is difficult to obey God’s commandments. Our will comes into conflict with His Will when we are tempted by something. We come up with all sorts of excuses to sin or turn our backs on an opportunity to do good. Just like Saul, our excuses do not forgive us for our failures. Our good intentions do not forgive us for doing wrong. God delights in obedience to His commandments. He wants obedience from us even more than fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. He wants submission to His Will more than any sacrifice. We should not presume to know what is best for us, but rather trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will lead us to lives of holiness and fidelity.

What are the commandments or good works we find most to do? How can we learn to obey God’s Will even when we have excuses not to obey? Are we willing to submit ourselves to God and let Him lead us where we need to be?

O Lord, give us the grace we need to be obedient to you and accept you as the ruler of our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.

Amen.