Brief Background:

St. Anthony, Abbot (also known as St. Anthony of the Desert or St. Anthony the Great) was born in Egypt around the year 251. After hearing the Gospel where Jesus says, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor,” he took these words literally, gave away his possessions, and withdrew into the desert to live a life of prayer, penance, and spiritual discipline. Though he sought solitude, many were drawn to his holiness and wisdom, and he became known as the father of Christian monasticism, inspiring generations of monks and religious communities. He is the patron saint of monks, hermits, and those struggling with temptations, and is especially invoked for strength in spiritual battles and perseverance in faith. His life witnesses that true freedom and joy are found in giving one’s whole life to God.

REFLECTION:

I have a friend that whenever we go out to eat, the moment he is done with his meal, the bill is paid and it is time to go. I have told him many times, “We don’t have to rush. Let’s just sit, talk story, and enjoy the company.” But for him, once the food is finished, the gathering is finished. It is efficient, yes—but it always feels like something is missing, because a meal is not only about eating. It is about being with.

That is why this scene between Saul and Samuel always makes me smile a little. Saul comes with a simple question: “Please tell me where the seer lives.” He is looking for directions, for a quick answer. But Samuel responds in a way that slows everything down: “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. In the morning, before dismissing you, I will tell you whatever you wish.”

In other words: “Come have dinner… and breakfast too.”

That must have been a long meal. And I guess they didn’t run out of things to talk about.

Before Samuel tells Saul anything about his future, before there is any talk of anointing or mission, there is first an invitation to dine.

In the Scriptures, meals are never just about food. To eat with someone is to enter into relationship, to share time, presence, and attention. Samuel does not rush Saul. He does not say, “Here is your answer, now go.” Instead, he says, “Come. Walk with me. Sit with me. Eat with me.” God’s way is often like this: before He reveals His plans, He invites us into communion.

And notice how unhurried this encounter is. “Eat with me today… in the morning I will tell you whatever you wish.” This is not a quick plate lunch. This is a lingering, unhurried time. Saul is being taught, even before he becomes king, that the most important things in life are not rushed, and that God does His deepest work not in a hurry, but in presence.

How often we come to God wanting what Saul wanted: a quick answer, clear directions, a fast solution. “Lord, just tell me what to do.” And so often, God’s response is: “Come, stay with me first.” Pray a little longer. Sit a little while. Let us share this time. Because God is less interested in giving us fast answers and more interested in forming faithful hearts.

There is something very Eucharistic in this moment. Before Saul’s life is changed, he is invited to a meal. Before we are sent out on mission, we too are invited to the Lord’s table. At every Mass, Jesus says to us in His own way: “Come. Be with me. Eat with me. Stay.” And it is from that communion that clarity, strength, and direction slowly grow.

Saul came looking for lost donkeys. He found himself at a table, in conversation, in the presence of the seer, and in the presence of God’s quiet work in his life. How often God does the same with us. We come with small concerns, and God invites us into something much bigger—but He does it gently, patiently, over the course of a very long meal.

Maybe today the Lord is not rushing to give us answers either. Maybe He is simply saying to us: “Don’t hurry. Come and be with me first.” Because in the end, it is in staying with Him that we discover who we are, and what He is calling us to become.