The lessons of the Roman Breviary for the week following the Third Sunday after Pentecost continue the readings of Kings, now leading to the final part of the life of Samuel and the years of the reign of Saul. On Sunday, the lessons include the anointing of Saul - and children attending schools run by the Sisters of Mercy in the mid-19th Century had a much better grasp of the divine teachings involved in the dramatic events of the formation of the united Kingdom of Israel than many (most?) Catholics of our day - as it can be seen in this lovely 1867 volume,
A Catechism of Scripture History, available at Google Books:
SAUL ANOINTED KING OF ISRAEL
What led to the Israelites demanding a king?
Samuel, being grown old, entrusted a share of his authority to his two sons, who abused it by taking bribes and judging unjustly, which gave the Israelites, who longed to be like other nations, a pretext for demanding a king to judge them and lead them to battle. (1 Kings viii. 20.)
Did Samuel immediately comply with their demand?
No; he was grieved at it, and consulted God, who answered that it was himself, and not Samuel, whom they rejected, and told him to represent to them the great power a king would have, and how he would oppress them; but that if they still persisted in their demand, he should yield to them.
Did they persist in their demand?
Yes; and Samuel anointed Saul, the son of Cis, of the tribe of Benjamin, their first king. (1 Kings x. 1)
What circumstances led to the anointing of Saul?
Being sent to seek his father's asses, which had strayed away, he spent three days in a fruitless search, and then, by his servant's advice, went to consult the prophet Samuel concerning them.
On his approach, what is said of Samuel?
On his approach, Samuel understood that he was the person whom God decreed to be king; he accordingly invited him to his house, treated him with distinction, told him that his father's asses were found and in the morning, before they parted, anointed him king, assuring him that he should deliver the people from the enemies who surrounded and harassed them.
