The Collect
Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Psalm*
80
The Readings*
I Samuel 16:1-13 + I John 2:18-25
When the sons of Jesse came, Samuel looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is now before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look upon his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
I Samuel 16:6-7
When the prophet Samuel goes to Bethlehem at the LORD's instruction to anoint the next king over Israel, he is impressed by the kingly appearance of the sons of Jesse. Yet seven sons pass before him, and for each one, the LORD says, No, not him. When Samuel inquires of Jesse whether he has any more sons, Jesse admits there is another--but he is so unimpressive that he almost does not bear mentioning: "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." That one is David, future king of Israel, anointed of the LORD, "a man after God's own heart."
Again and again in the scriptures we see God's surprising choice, often the last we would expect. Who knows what God may yet do with the least, the last, the unqualified and unimpressive? Who knows what God may yet do, even in and with me?
Closing Prayer
Lord, may we never despise the day of small things; help us to see as you see, and give us a heart turned to you, who looks upon our inmost being. Amen.
*from the Daily Office lectionary
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