Obedience to the Lord is Better Than Sacrifice

Today’s Word cuts straight to the heart. Through the prophet Samuel, God tells Saul something every generation needs to hear: “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” Saul thought he could disobey God’s clear command and then make up for it with religious offerings. But God is not impressed by rituals that are not rooted in a listening heart. What He desires first is not performance—but surrender. Saul’s problem was not ignorance; it was selective obedience. He did some of what God asked, but not all. He kept what pleased him and offered the rest to God. That is often our temptation too. We want to look faithful, sound religious, and appear committed—while quietly holding onto what God has already told us to let go. The Psalm makes this even clearer. God says, “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you… Why do you recite my statutes, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” God is not fooled by holy words without holy living. He wants truth in the heart, not just praise on the lips. Then Jesus deepens the message in the Gospel. When people question why His disciples do not fast like others, Jesus points to something new: the Bridegroom is here. A new relationship has begun. Faith is no longer just about old structures and external practices. It is about living in communion with Him. And when that communion is real, it changes everything. Jesus uses powerful images: New wine needs new wineskins. New life needs new hearts. You cannot contain the life of Christ in old habits of fear, control, pride, or mere routine religion. Obedience in the New Covenant is not just rule-following—it is relationship-keeping. It is letting the living Word shape your desires, your choices, and your direction. The Word of God, Hebrews says, is “living and effective,” able to discern the thoughts of the heart. That means today’s readings are not just for Saul, the Pharisees, or the crowds. They are for us. They ask: Where am I offering God sacrifice instead of obedience? Where am I holding onto old wineskins when Jesus wants to pour in new life? Obedience is not about losing freedom—it is about finding it. When we listen deeply and follow faithfully, God shows us His saving power. He does not want our leftovers. He wants our yes. Today, the Lord invites us to stop negotiating with His will and start trusting His love. Not partial obedience. Not religious excuses. But a whole-hearted surrender. Because in the end, obedience is not just better than sacrifice—It is the doorway to joy.