Daily Readings - Thu Jan 18 2024
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 jealousy, humility, and trust in God. The first reading from 1 Samuel portrays David's triumph over the Philistine, which sparks Saul's jealousy. The women's praise of David's victory angers Saul, leading him to plot against David. However, Jonathan's loyalty and intervention highlight the contrast between Saul's jealousy and Jonathan's steadfast friendship. This narrative underscores the human struggle with envy and the importance of loyalty.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus surrounded by crowds seeking healing and recognition. Despite the unclean spirits acknowledging him as the Son of God, Jesus remains humble, instructing them not to reveal his identity. This humility and focus on his mission serve as a counterpoint to Saul's jealousy. Jesus's actions emphasize trust in God's plan and the importance of humility over human ambition.
These readings relate through their exploration of human emotions and divine humility. Saul's jealousy contrasts with Jonathan's loyalty, while Jesus's humility and focus on his mission offer a divine model. In our lives, we are called to recognize and manage our emotions, choosing humility and trust in God. Like Jonathan, we can stand by others in loyalty and truth, and like Jesus, we can remain humble, trusting in God's plan. Let us strive to embody these virtues, fostering a spirit of humility and trust in our daily lives.