Saturday 18 January

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2-7; Mark 2:13-17

Party time!

In his enthusiasm at being called by Jesus to follow him, Matthew throws a party. The scribes were shocked at the company Jesus mixes with at this dinner. Jesus defends his friendly outreach to ‘sinners’. He even seeks them out. In the first reading the prophet Samuel invites Saul to eat with him before he anoints him as ruler of Israel. Meals, drinks, or barbecues with neighbours or work colleagues can be a way of building up God’s kingdom – and summer is a great time to do it!