Daily Readings - Thu Jan 18 2018
1 Samuel
6As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.7And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands."8And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"9And Saul eyed David from that day on.
1And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David.2And Jonathan told David, "Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself.3And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you."4And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.5For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?"6And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death."7And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.
Mark
7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea8and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,10for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.11And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."12And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on jealousy, loyalty, and the divine plan. The first reading from 1 Samuel reveals the growing tension between King Saul and David. Saul, once celebrated as a warrior, becomes consumed by envy when David’s victory over Goliath earns him greater acclaim. The women’s song—“Saul has slain thousands, and David tens of thousands”—ignites Saul’s anger and insecurity. This jealousy leads him to plot against David, even though David has done nothing wrong. Yet, in the midst of this danger, we see the loyalty and courage of Jonathan, Saul’s own son, who stands up for David and pleads with his father to spare his life. Jonathan’s actions remind us of the importance of standing by the truth, even when it is difficult.
The Gospel reading from Mark offers a striking contrast. Jesus, having withdrawn to the sea with his disciples, is surrounded by a massive crowd eager to be healed and to hear his teachings. The unclean spirits recognize Jesus as the Son of God and fall prostrate before him, but Jesus silences them. This moment highlights the humility of Jesus, who, despite his divine power, does not seek to draw attention to himself. Instead, he focuses on healing and serving others. The contrast between Saul’s jealousy and Jesus’ humility is profound. While Saul’s fear of losing his status leads him to sin, Jesus’ humility and trust in God’s plan allow him to fulfill his mission without seeking glory for himself.
These readings call us to examine our own hearts and actions. Do we, like Saul, allow jealousy or insecurity to cloud our judgment and lead us astray? Or do we, like Jonathan, stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult? And do we, like Jesus, embrace humility and trust in God’s plan, even when the world seeks to elevate us? Let us ask for the grace to recognize God’s work in others, to remain loyal to the truth, and to serve with humility. May we trust in God’s plan, knowing that true greatness is found not in power or recognition, but in love and service to others.