Daily Reading for Saturday, January 13th, 2024

Reading 1, First Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1

¹ Among the men of Benjamin was a man called Kish son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah; a Benjaminite and a person of rank.

² He had a son called Saul, a handsome man in the prime of life. Of all the Israelites there was no one more handsome than he; he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else.

³ Now since the donkeys belonging to Kish, Saul's father, had strayed, Kish said to his son Saul, 'My son, take one of the servants with you and be off; go and look for the donkeys.'

⁴ They went through the highlands of Ephraim, they went through the territory of Shalishah, and did not find them; they went through the territory of Shaalim but they were not there; they went through the territory of Benjamin and did not find them.

¹⁷ May the wicked turn away to Sheol, all the nations forgetful of God.

¹⁸ For the needy is not forgotten for ever, not for ever does the hope of the poor come to nothing.

¹⁹ Arise, Yahweh; human strength shall not prevail. The nations shall stand trial before you.

¹ Samuel took a phial of oil and poured it on Saul's head; he then kissed him and said, 'Has not Yahweh anointed you as leader of his people Israel? You are the man who is to govern Yahweh's people and save them from the power of the enemies surrounding them. The sign for you that Yahweh has anointed you as prince of his heritage is this:

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

² You have granted him his heart's desire, not denied him the prayer of his lips.

³ For you come to meet him with blessings of prosperity, put a crown of pure gold on his head.

⁴ He has asked for life, you have given it him, length of days for ever and ever.

⁵ Great his glory through your saving help; you invest him with splendour and majesty.

⁶ You confer on him everlasting blessings, you gladden him with the joy of your presence.

⁷ For the king puts his trust in Yahweh; the faithful love of the Most High will keep him from falling.