Daily Readings - Thu Jan 20 2022
1 Samuel
6Now when David returned, after he had struck down the Philistine, the women went out, from all the cities of Israel, leading the singing and dancing, rejoicing with timbrels and bells, so as to meet king Saul7And the women sang, as they played, saying, "Saul has struck down a thousand, and David ten thousand.8Then Saul became exceedingly angry, and this word was displeasing in his eyes. And he said: "They have given David ten thousand, and to me they gave only one thousand. What is left for him, except the kingdom itself?9Therefore, Saul did not regard David with a good eye, from that day and thereafter
1Now Saul spoke to his son Jonathan, and to all his servants, so that they would kill David. But Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David very much2And Jonathan revealed it to David, saying: "Saul, my father, is seeking to kill you. Because of this, I ask you, take care for yourself in the morning. And you should conceal yourself and remain in hiding3Then I, going out, will be standing beside my father in the field, where you will be. And I will speak about you to my father. And whatever I see, I will report to you.4Then Jonathan spoke good things about David to his father Saul. And he said to him: "You should not sin, O king, against your servant David. For he has not sinned against you, and his works toward you are very good5And he took his life in his own hand, and struck down the Philistine. And the Lord wrought a great salvation for all of Israel. You saw it, and you rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by killing David, who is without guilt?6And when Saul had heard this, being pleased by the voice of Jonathan, he swore, "As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.7And so Jonathan called David, and he revealed to him all of these words. And Jonathan led in David to Saul, and he was before him, just as he had been yesterday and the day before
Mark
7But Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea. And a great crowd followed him from Galilee and Judea8and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea and across the Jordan. And those around Tyre and Sidon, upon hearing what he was doing, came to him in a great multitude9And he told his disciples that a small boat would be useful to him, because of the crowd, lest they press upon him10For he healed so many, that as many of them as had wounds would rush toward him in order to touch him11And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell prostrate before him. And they cried out, saying12"You are the Son of God." And he strongly admonished them, lest they make him known
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on themes of recognition, response, and the virtues of humility and loyalty. The first reading from 1 Samuel recounts the aftermath of David's victory over Goliath, where Saul's jealousy is kindled by the people's celebration of David. This jealousy leads Saul to plot against David, yet Jonathan, Saul's son, stands by David, advocating for his innocence and the good he has done. In contrast, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus, whose miracles and healings draw large crowds, yet He chooses to keep a low profile, even silencing the unclean spirits who recognize Him as the Son of God.
The context of 1 Samuel is one of rising tension and human frailty. Saul, once a leader favored by God, becomes consumed by envy, fearing David's growing popularity. Jonathan, however, exemplifies loyalty and justice, standing up for David despite the danger. In Mark, Jesus' ministry is gaining momentum, yet He remains humble, avoiding the spotlight, and focusing on His mission rather than seeking acclaim. This contrast highlights different responses to recognition: Saul's jealousy versus Jonathan's loyalty, and Jesus' humility.
These readings relate to each other through the theme of recognition and response. In Samuel, recognition leads to jealousy and conflict, while in Mark, it leads to humility and restraint. This teaches us about handling success and recognition with grace. In our lives, we may face situations where others' success provokes envy, but we are called to respond with humility and support. Like Jonathan, we should stand by those treated unfairly and advocate for justice.
Applying these lessons, we learn to cultivate humility and trust in God's plan. Recognizing our place and not letting jealousy consume us, we should support others' successes. The value of loyal friendship and standing up for what is right is also emphasized. From Mark, we see the importance of humility, not seeking fame, and trusting in God's timing.
In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: humility and trust in God are essential. We are called to recognize our own limitations and respond with grace, avoiding jealousy and embracing humility. Let us strive to be like Jonathan, loyal and just, and like Jesus, humble and focused on our mission. May we trust in God's plan and cultivate these virtues in our daily lives.