Daily Readings - Sat Jan 20 2018
2 Samuel
1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.2And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage.3David said to him, "Where do you come from?" And he said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel."4And David said to him, "How did it go? Tell me." And he answered, "The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead."11Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.12And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.19"Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!23"Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.24"You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.25"How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!"Jonathan lies slain on your high places.26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.27"How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on loyalty, sacrifice, and the challenges of following God’s will. The first reading from 2 Samuel presents David’s heartfelt lament over the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit of David, which had driven him into exile, David’s response is not one of triumph or relief but of profound grief. He tears his garments, weeps, and fasts, mourning not just the loss of a king but also the loss of a friend and brother. David’s lament is a testament to his deep humanity and his unwavering loyalty, even in the face of adversity. His words, “How could the valiant have fallen,” echo the universal human sorrow over the fragility of life and the fallenness of the world.
The Gospel reading from Mark shifts our focus to Jesus, who is surrounded by a crowd so large that he and his disciples cannot even eat. When Jesus’ family hears about the commotion, they set out to restrain him, thinking he has gone mad. This passage highlights the tension between Jesus’ divine mission and the concerns of those closest to him. Like David, Jesus is misunderstood by those who should know him best. His family’s reaction reflects the human tendency to doubt or fear what we do not fully understand. Yet, Jesus’ unwavering commitment to his Father’s will shows us the cost of discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow God’s plan.
Both readings remind us that faith often demands loyalty and perseverance in the face of misunderstanding or hardship. David’s lament teaches us the importance of compassion and integrity, even toward those who may have wronged us. Jesus’ example in Mark challenges us to remain faithful to our calling, even when others question our path. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit of loyalty and trust in God’s providence. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to show compassion and integrity? How can I remain steadfast in my commitment to God, even when others do not understand? May we, like David and Jesus, trust in God’s plan and find the strength to follow Him, no matter the cost.