20 Jan – Memorial for St. Fabian, pope and martyr; Memorial for St. Sebastian, martyr
Pope St. Fabian (d. 250) was a layman and a farmer. He came into Rome on a day when a new pope was to be elected. A dove flew in and settled on his head. The gathered clergy and laity took this as a sign that Fabian had been anointed, and he was chosen Pope by acclamation.
He sent St. Dionysius and other missionaries to Gaul, and condemned the heresies of Privatus. He was martyred for his faith in the persecutions of Decius.
St. Sebastian (d. 288) was the son of a wealthy Roman family. He was educated in Milan and became an officer of the Imperial Roman army, and captain of the guard. He was a favourite of Diocletian. During Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing supplies and comfort. He was reported to have healed the wife of a brother soldier by making the Sign of the Cross over her. He converted soldiers and a governor.
He was charged as a Christian, tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and was left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death.
During the 14th century, the random nature of infection with the Black Death caused people to liken the plague to their villages being shot by an army of nature’s archers. In desperation, they prayed for the intercession of a saint associated with archers, and St. Sebastian became associated with the plague.
- Patron Saint Index
1 Sam 16:1-13
Mk 2:23-28
…a man after His own heart…
Today’s readings have so much to unpack, I was frankly at a loss when I first began. Let’s start with my initial instinct when I read the first reading. I was agitated, irritated by the verse, “Take no notice of his appearance or his height for I have rejected him…” It doesn’t feel true in the world we live in, where people who externally seem better presented — either by looks, education, wealth or other physical attributes — have always been chosen. It rang hollow and for days, I stewed till I realised I was guilty of having always judged others by their physical attributes or having been rejected by my own shortcomings. My agitation was perhaps the knowledge of guilt arising within.
Perhaps we are all guilty of looking at how smart, how well spoken, how tall someone is and choosing our leader, our partner, and our friends based on that which is visible.
What a profound statement this was then that our Lord God chose David — the youngest of eight, to be the king over Israel, because our Lord “…does not see as man sees…but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Sam 7). We are all chosen by Him and I dare say most of us would not make the cut for best looking, strongest, richest and yet “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
Can we let go of our tendency to judge others and ourselves by that which is external, when God has said plainly and clearly — He sees the heart; our heart? It might not be easy for those of us who may have never been picked for the school team; never chosen to be promoted; often been rejected in relationships to believe that our Lord sees differently, but He does. God sees differently, chooses differently and has perfect plans for each of us if we can just trust he knows our heart. We must then endeavour to have a heart that God sees and is pleased with.
The expression “a man after his own heart” is perhaps what God wants. The heart of God is a heart of Love. He wants a heart fully surrendered to his son Jesus, to his plans for us, to be fully trusting and obedient to the Spirit.
The gospel reading further reinforces the idea that the traditions of the Sabbath, the external expressions of obedience to God and his commandments, are wonderful when they are done with the right interior disposition, the right heart for God. When we chose to observe going to mass every Sunday because it is tradition or the law, but our hearts are at the golf course, the mall or anywhere else but with God, it becomes hollow and we become slaves to the tradition — deriving no joy, no meaning, no communion with our Father who just wants to be with us.
Jesus does not let tradition or the laws of that time ever stop him from showing his love and compassion for the sick, tired and hungry. That is what the heart of God is — a heart so filled with love and mercy for his creation.
Perhaps that is another reflection in these deep, meaningful scriptures? Have we been able to look beyond the man who is not friendly, not polite, not pleasant looking and still show love, kindness and mercy? Can we, like Jesus, look at the heart of others?
(Today’s OXYGEN by Julia Lim)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me have a heart pure and simple. Grant me the grace to draw closer to you when I observe the traditions asked of me; not because it is the law but because it is my earnest desire. I desire to live close to your son Jesus, both in my thoughts, words and deeds.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for showing me in scripture your love for humanity. You show us that to love and care for the suffering of those around us is more important than observances for its own sake.
OXYGEN 
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