Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 106 of the Bible in a Year podcast, transitioning from a seven-day reading of the Gospel of John into the Royal Kingdom period. He reads from the Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition using the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press.

Today's readings introduce Saul, Israel's first king, through 1 Samuel chapters 9-10, alongside Proverbs 6:23-35. The narrative follows Saul's journey from searching for lost donkeys to being anointed king by Samuel, revealing both his divine calling and human weaknesses.

Father Mike emphasizes how Saul's story parallels Christian experience - receiving God's Spirit while struggling with human concerns about others' opinions. The Proverbs reading addresses moral distinctions between understandable and senseless sins.

Saul's Introduction: Looking the Part of a King

Scripture introduces Saul with emphasis on his royal appearance: 'a handsome young man... from his shoulders upward, he was taller than any of the people'

Saul demonstrates good character by faithfully searching for his father's lost donkeys, showing persistence and duty to family obligations

Father Mike notes that 'Saul looks like a king... He looks like a fighter. He looks like a warrior. He looks like someone who would be brave'

Divine Anointing and Prophetic Transformation

Samuel anoints Saul with oil, declaring 'Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?'

The Spirit of God transforms Saul into a prophet: 'the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you, and you shall prophesy with them and be turned into another man'

People witness Saul's transformation, asking 'What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?'

Father Mike connects this to Christian baptism: 'when a child is baptized... they're anointed priest, prophet, and king or queen'

Saul's Fatal Flaw: Fear of Public Opinion

Despite being chosen by lot as king, 'when they sought him, he could not be found' - Saul was 'hiding among the baggage'

Father Mike identifies Saul's weakness: 'one of his Achilles heels... is he is overly concerned with what other people think'

This flaw affects those who 'look the part' - they become preoccupied with 'how they're seen in other people's eyes'

Moral Distinctions in Proverbs: Understandable vs Senseless Sin

Proverbs distinguishes theft from hunger ('men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry') from adultery

'He who commits adultery has no sense. He who does it destroys himself' - because unlike hunger, adultery serves no necessary purpose

Father Mike applies this principle broadly: some sins make no sense because 'this isn't benefiting anybody. I don't actually need this'

Saul as Everyman: Mixed Character and Human Struggles

Father Mike emphasizes 'Saul is not an evil character' but represents people who are 'mixes of good and bad... good choices and bad choices'

Saul receives genuine spiritual gifts: 'the Spirit of God is upon him. God has actually chosen him and gifted him and equipped him'

The warning for Christians: 'if I'm overly preoccupied with the opinions of human beings and not as driven by doing the will of God, then I too... will need to change that'