Friday 23^rd January Called, Chosen, and Tested

Today’s readings focus on a quiet but decisive moment:
the moment when calling meets character.

In the first reading from 1 Samuel,
David is already chosen by God.

He has been anointed.
He has been promised the future.
Yet he is not yet king.

Instead, he is hunted.

Saul comes with three thousand men, searching for one man in the wilderness.

And then the unexpected happens.

Saul enters the cave where David is hiding.

David is close enough to strike.
Close enough to end the pursuit.
Close enough to seize what has been promised.

But David does not take Saul’s life.

He cuts off a corner of Saul’s cloak — and even this act troubles his heart.

David understands something essential:
God’s promise does not excuse disobedience.
God’s calling does not permit violence.
God’s timing cannot be forced.

David says to Saul, “The Lord judge between me and you.”

He refuses to become king by becoming cruel.

David’s restraint reveals his readiness
far more than victory ever could.

The Gospel from Mark shows Jesus going up the mountain.

Before miracles.
Before mission.
Before sending.

He calls those he wants. They come to him.

Jesus appoints twelve — not because they are perfect,
but because they are willing.

Mark tells us why:
that they might be with him, and that he might send them out.

Being with Jesus comes before doing for Jesus.

And yet even here, there is tension.

Among the Twelve is Simon the Zealot — a revolutionary.
And Judas Iscariot — who will betray him.

Jesus knows this.
Still, he calls them.

Calling does not remove freedom.
Election does not remove responsibility.

Like David,
the apostles will be tested
not in moments of success,
but in moments of pressure.

David is tested in a cave.
The apostles will be tested
in fear,
confusion,
and failure.

The question in both readings is the same:
What will you do with the power entrusted to you?

David has power over Saul
and chooses mercy.

The apostles will be given authority
over unclean spirits —
and must learn humility.

God’s way is not about grasping.
It is about trusting.

David waits for God to act.
Jesus forms his apostles slowly.
Neither rushes what God is doing.

Saul recognises the truth in David’s actions.
He says,
“You are more righteous than I.”

Righteousness is not proven
by how forcefully we act,
but by how faithfully we restrain ourselves.

Jesus names each of the Twelve.
He knows their weakness.
He entrusts them anyway.

Today’s readings invite us to examine our own calling.

We may not be kings or apostles.
But we all have influence.
We all have moments of choice.

We all have power —
over words,
over decisions,
over others.

Will we force outcomes,
or trust God’s timing?

Will we grasp control,
or remain faithful?

David’s mercy prepares him for kingship.
The apostles’ closeness to Jesus
prepares them for mission.

May we ask for the grace
to be faithful in hidden moments,
to choose mercy over ambition,
and to remain with the Lord — so that, in his time,
he may send us.