1 Samuel 15:16-23 / Mark 2:18-22
To be pragmatic is to look at things and situations sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
And pragmatic views and solutions are easily and readily acceptable because the results are appealing and achievable.
Also to be pragmatic is to act immediately on the opportunities and to “strike while the iron is hot”.
In the 1st reading, Saul was being pragmatic about the booty from his victory over the Amalekites.
Instead of eliminating everything from the king right down to the livestock, which was the practice of that time, Saul kept the best sheep and oxen.
His intention was to offer it as a sacrifice to God.
But Samuel pointed out to Saul with these words:
“Is the pleasure of the Lord in holocausts and sacrifices,
or in obedience to the voice of the Lord?
Yes, obedience is better than sacrifice,
Submissiveness better than the fat of rams.
Rebellion is a sin of sorcery,
presumption a crime of teraphim.”
Those were hard and sharp words that will remind us of this:
That God’s ways are not man’s ways
God’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts.
Instead of being only sensible and practical, let us listen to what the Lord God has to say.
Let us believe that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and when we obey the voice of the Lord, we will be blessed abundantly.