The Memorial of St Agnes

1 Sam. 24:3-21, Mk 3:13-19. There is something deeply noble about David, nobility that arises from a fierce fidelity to the Lord. In today's first reading, even when he had Saul at his feet, he spared David, for to raise his hands against the Lord’s anointed is equivalent to raising one’s hand against the Lord. However, this would not prevent him from correcting Saul. As Saul searched for David with the intention of killing him, Saul went to the reach of David. David’s soldiers saw this as a sign that David should kill Saul and take the throne which God promised to him. After moving to a safe distance away from Saul, David called on Saul and explained how he could have killed him, as he cut off a piece of Saul’s garments. However, he refused to lay his hand on the reigning king. Saul realised that he has been wrong to pursue David and that God truly called David to be the next king of Israel.

There is a sense of 'noble' obligation in this story, of doing the noble thing rather than taking vengeance. In today's Gospel, Jesus goes up the mountainside as the place to choose the Twelve Apostles. The mountains are often privileged places for prayer and connection with the divine. This mountain scene invites us to find our own special place, to be aware of God’s providence and be alone with none but God. A place where we can go deeper and have a prayerful spirit that will help us to renew our personal bond with Jesus. Two elements stand out in this episode. First, these Twelve were to be His regular companions, following Him daily, noting all that he did and said. Second, He sent them out to preach and to heal, actively sharing in His mission. They needed to get to know Him thoroughly before going out to do His work. This twofold pattern still applies to all Christians, to some degree. We are meant to actively share in the work of the Lord, sharing His spirit with others. In order to do this, we need to get to know Him well, being in His company through prayer. Our reaching out in prayer creates space for God to work in and through us. The choice of the Twelve by Jesus is an iconic reminder of what He wants to do for us and through us, as His ambassadors.St Agnes whose memorial we celebrate, lived as real ambassadors of Christ to bear witness to Christ at a young age of twelve. Agnes was filled with the love of God from an early age, vowed herself to celibacy and when the opportunity of martyrdom arose, she did not hide away but stepped forward and took it.

May the Lord give us the insight to see His hand at work in everything, so that we may put God ahead of our desire! Amen!! Good morning, peace be with you!!!