We read for almost three weeks at Mass from the two books of Samuel. They begin with a woman praying for a child. She will become the mother of Samuel who, along with another prophet, Nathan, will deal with the great Jewish kings, Saul and David. The books describe times of intrigue and wars. We read about places and names we can hardly pronounce, but they begin with a woman, Hannah, praying for a child.

Why read old stories from the Jewish scriptures? Why not stick to the gospel and the story of Jesus, maybe adding the Acts of the Apostles and the story of the early church?

We read stories from the Old Testament because they make us aware that God acts in time and God’s plan unfolds in time. They help us understand our own time as well. 

The Books of Samuel recall the change that took place as the Jews moved from a loose association of tribes to a people ruled by kings. The change wasn’t easy; it was messy, slow and typically human. Though the books begin with the birth of a prophet, Samuel, the prophet’s role–and God’s role as well–seems obscured by human history that seems beyond divine control. 

Yet, God’s plan unfolds and the prophet speaks his word. It unfolds in a tension between the human and divine, the political and the spiritual, human slowness and divine patience, sin and grace.  It unfolds as it does in our time, in our world and our church, in ourselves.

Just look around while reading the Books of Samuel

We read the Books of Samuel along with the Gospel of Mark the next few weeks. A study in contrasts. Samuel is slowly recognized as a prophet, beginning with his mother Hannah’s reception in the temple as she prays for a son. His times seem asleep. Totally human.

Jesus, on the other hand, arrives in Caphernaum, like a bolt of lightening. All come to see what he does and listen to what he says.

But then, they turn away. Human slowness.