Fourth Sunday of Lent Year A First Reading and Responsorial Psalm

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT — Year A

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16: 1, 6-7, 10-13

A reading from the first book of Samuel.

God said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as ruler of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my ruler from among his children.”

As they came, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is God’s anointed.” But God said to Samuel, “Do not judge from Eliab’s height and appearance; this is not the one. God does not see as people see: people look at appearances, but I look at the heart.”

Jesse then presented seven children to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “God has not chosen these.” He then asked Jesse, “Are these all you have?” He answered, “There is still one left, the youngest, who is out looking after the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him. We will not sit down to eat until he comes.” Jesse had the youngster brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. God said, “Come, anoint him, for this is the one.”

At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David where he stood with his siblings. And the Spirit of Our God came mightily upon David from that day on. Samuel took his leave and went to Ramah.

The Word of God recorded in the first book of Samuel.