Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 22, 2026
First Reading: 1 Samuel 18.6-9; 19.1-7
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
Psalm 56
1Unto the end. For the people who have become far removed from the Sacred. Of David, with the inscription of a title, when the Philistines held him in Gath2Have mercy on me, O God, because man has trampled over me. All day long, he has afflicted me by fighting against me3My enemies have trampled over me all day long. For those who make war against me are many4From the height of the day, I will be afraid. But truly, I will hope in you5In God, I will praise my words. In God, I have put my trust. I will not fear what flesh can do to me6All day long, they curse my words. All their intentions are for evil against me7They will dwell and hide themselves. They will watch my heel, just as they waited for my soul8because of this, nothing will save them. In your anger, you will crush the people9O God, I have announced my life to you. You have placed my tears in your sight, and even in your promise10Then my enemies will be turned back. On whatever day that I call upon you, behold, I know that you are my God11In God, I will praise the word. In the Lord, I will praise his speech. In God, I have hoped. I will not fear what man can do to me12My vows to you, O God, are in me. I will repay them. Praises be to you13For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from slipping, so that I may be pleasing in the sight of God, in the light of the living
Gospel: Mark 3.7-12
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
The first reading reveals the immediate aftermath of David’s triumph, showcasing King Saul’s swift descent into envy. Despite David’s loyalty and service, the popular acclamation of David’s victories over his own ignited a dangerous jealousy in Saul, leading him to plot David’s death. It is in this dark moment that Jonathan, Saul’s own son, emerges as a figure of profound loyalty and moral courage, interceding for David and reminding his father of David’s innocence and God’s favor. Meanwhile, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus at the height of his early ministry, surrounded by vast crowds from all regions, drawn by his healing power. So great was the demand that he required a boat to manage the multitude, as people pressed in just to touch him and be cured. Even the unclean spirits recognized his divine identity, crying out "You are the Son of God," only to be silenced by Jesus, who maintained control over the revelation of his mission.
Both passages speak to the profound impact of those favored by God. In 1 Samuel, we witness the destructive power of envy, illustrating how it can corrupt a leader’s heart and incite violence, while Jonathan’s actions stand as a testament to courageous love and selfless intercession. His willingness to speak truth to power and risk his own position for the sake of his friend is a powerful example for us today, reminding us to stand for justice and defend the innocent. In the Gospel, we see the boundless compassion of Christ, who draws all humanity to himself for healing. The pressing crowds seeking relief mirror the deep spiritual and physical needs of our own world. Jesus’ strategic withdrawal and his silencing of the demons emphasize his divine authority and wisdom in revealing his identity and mission on his own terms, rather than succumbing to popular demand or demonic recognition.
Reflecting on these accounts, we are challenged to examine our own hearts. Do we, like Saul, harbor envy when others are celebrated or succeed, allowing it to poison our relationships and darken our spirit? Or do we, like Jonathan, embody courageous love, interceding for others and championing what is right, even at personal cost? Furthermore, we are called to approach Jesus, the ultimate healer, with the same earnest desire as the crowds, recognizing him as the Son of God not merely through words, but through our trust and willingness to be transformed by his grace. In a world full of suffering and division, let us seek healing from Christ and be inspired to be instruments of courageous love and truth, reflecting his light to those around us.