1 Samuel 16:13
"Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed [David] in the midst of his brothers."
If an Israelite from 3,000 years ago suddenly showed up on our front porch, we might have difficulty explaining to her just how important the Super Bowl is to our society—with its commercials, half-time show, parties, and of course food!
Well, that same Israelite from 3,000 years ago would probably have to explain to us something similar for how important the coronation of a king was... it was a big deal! Our First Reading at Mass today describes such a coronation (Samuel anoints David as king) and gives us a sense of the lavishness and seriousness of this coronation.
Yet here's the remarkable thing: you and I too have been made kings by our baptism. When we were baptized, we began to share in the kingly power of Jesus himself—and, in fact, the priest or deacon actually anointed us with oil just as David is anointed by Samuel in today's First Reading. Today, recall your baptism: maybe it happened just recently or maybe it happened as a young child. Give thanks to God for allowing us to share in his kingly power and ask Him how we might exercise more of this power.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Deacon Connor Penn, Fourth Theology
Home parish: Corpus Christi
Did you know...
I was baptized at Corpus Christi in Temple Terrace, where I also made my First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. In less than four months, I will be celebrating Mass for the first time at the same church!
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
