Liberation (1 Samuel 14,24-48; 1Peter 1,22-2,10)

Liberation (1 Samuel 14,24-48; 1Peter 1,22-2,10)
 
What a stark contrast it is between the two worlds represented by our readings. On the one hand, it is a lifetime spent in endless struggles. ‘So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side…’ A whole generation, nay, chain of generations, can be trapped in a dark age of violence fighting for mere survival. ‘The age of terror’ is a historical reality...

On the other hand, from Apostle Peter, we hear the call to recognise the value of time used for doing good. ‘The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’
 
What makes the contrast real with ‘the dark age of terror’, however, is the process of growing, which the Apostle draws attention to. The images are about the future aim, those values that are unfolding in our lives. The emphasis is on what we will become if we grow into the Kingdom of Jesus. ‘To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.’
 
Future lived right now; when future can be lived − this is the best definition of our liberation from the age of violence. In new testament Biblical words:‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.’