January 13th, 2004, Saturday of the first week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of Samuel.

There was a stalwart man from Benjamin named Kish, who was the son of Abial, son of Zeror,

son of Bechirath, son of Afaya, a Benjaminite.

He had a son named Saul, who was a handsome young man. There was no other child of Israel more handsome than Saul. He stood head and shoulders

above the people. Now the asses of Saul's father, Kish, had wandered off.

Kish said to his son, Saul,

Take one of the servants with you, and go out and hunt for the asses.

Accordingly, they went through the hill country of Ephraim,

and through the land of Charlisha.

Not finding them there,

they continued through the land of Shaelim without success. They also went through the land of Benjamin, but they failed to find the animals.

When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord assured him,

This is the man of whom I told you. He is to govern my people. Saul met Samuel in the gateway and said,

Please tell me where the seer lives. Samuel answered Saul, I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the

high place and eat with me today. In the morning before dismissing you, I will tell you whatever you wish.

Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil on Saul's head.

He also kissed him, saying,

The Lord anoints you commander over his heritage.

You are to govern the Lord's people Israel

and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout.

This will be the sign for you

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