It is 18th January 2020. The readings are from 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1 and the Gospel from Mark 2:13-17. We all are called by God to lead others and to be led by Jesus to God. Some of us are chosen to lead in a high level of responsibility while others are called to inspire the leaders with the insights of the Good News entrusted to us. Saul is called to be the first king of Israel in the first reading while St. Matthew was called to be an Apostle of Jesus in the Gospel. God chooses us to render the service to the humanity in a specific time for a particular people. God expects from those whom He chooses an unwavering cooperation, commitment, obedience opposed to one’s ambition, projects and prejudices in dealing with those who are entrusted to them. A person who hates the other on a tribal, racial, gender, religious, social biases is a venom of the group that destroys the unifying plan of God. A leader without a clear vision is like a person without thinking. Every leader needs to discern the purpose of being a leader. No one becomes a leader unless God allows them to be there. Some of us aspire to be leaders using our politicking, prudence, culture and convincing promises. Some others allure others by their muscle, and money power to grab a position to lead others. God chooses the leaders for a purpose. When leaders fail to cooperate with God’s plan, God does not hesitate to replace him/or with another. Without a profound love for God, no one can continue to be a good leader. It is the love of God that propels a leader to have a compassion towards the fellow-country men and women. Vision with love builds and unites communities and groups. A selfish leader does not have any shame and guilt in doing the wrong and selfish things. Saul found his donkeys through Samuel, while Samuel found the first king of Israel in Saul. “The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around.” (1 Sam.10:1). A leader must not rely on his personality, personal wealth, clever mind only but rather willing to cooperate with God, must not love wealth and pleasures of the world, not so sensitive to criticisms and abundant publicity and not to be disturbed by the noises around but always willing to introspect the noise within. Every leader needs to conduct themselves as anointed one of God than merely being an administrator. The responsorial Psalm praises, “O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.” (Ps.20:2). The Gospel presents us with the call of Matthew. God does not show partiality in calling us. We too need to treat and relate with others as equals regardless of race, tribe, language, gender and religion. “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” (Mk.2:17). However unworthy, we might be like the tax-collector, yet Jesus calls us to work for God’s people. We are the missionary disciples of the Lord and we are the gifts to the community to share what we have with the least of brethren. Let us work for the Lord Jesus with His vision in mind and mission in heart. May you have a good day. God bless you.