Daily Readings - Sat Jan 22 2022
2 Samuel
1Now it happened that, after Saul died, David returned from the slaughter of Amalek, and he remained for two days at Ziklag2Then, on the third day, a man appeared, arriving from the camp of Saul, with his garments torn and dust sprinkled on his head. And when he came to David, he fell on his face, and he reverenced3And David said to him, "Where have you come from?" And he said to him, "I have fled from the camp of Israel.4And David said to him: "What is the word that has happened? Reveal it to me." And he said: "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people have fallen and died. Moreover, Saul and his son Jonathan have passed away.11Then David, taking hold of his garments, tore them, with all the men who were with him12And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, over Saul and over his son Jonathan, and over the people of the Lord and over the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword19The illustrious of Israel have been killed upon your mountains. How could the valiant have fallen23Saul and Jonathan, worthy to be loved, and stately in their life: even in death they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions24O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with scarlet finery, who offered ornaments of gold for your adornment25How could the valiant have fallen in battle? How could Jonathan have been slain on the heights26I grieve over you, my brother Jonathan: exceedingly stately, and worthy to be loved above the love of women. As a mother loves her only son, so also did I love you27How could the robust have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished?
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound emotions and pivotal moments that invite us to reflect on love, duty, and the sacrifices that come with following a higher calling. The first reading from 2 Samuel vividly portrays David’s grief over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul’s pursuit of him, David mourns deeply, showing respect and sorrow. His lament for Jonathan, in particular, highlights a bond of love that transcends rivalry, teaching us about the depth of human connection and the importance of honoring even complicated relationships.
The Gospel from Mark presents a contrasting yet complementary scene. Jesus’ family, concerned by the crowds and his intense focus on his mission, believes he has gone mad. This moment underscores the tension between personal relationships and divine purpose. Jesus’ commitment to his ministry takes precedence, illustrating the sacrifices required when answering a higher call. Both readings, though different, remind us that love and duty can sometimes pull us in opposite directions, challenging us to find balance.
As we apply these lessons to our lives, we are reminded to love deeply, as David did, even in the face of adversity. We are also called to remain faithful to our calling, as Jesus exemplified, even when it demands difficult choices. Let us strive to honor our relationships while staying true to our commitments, trusting that in doing so, we navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.